Audubon Plate # 47, Ruby-throated Hummingbird  $450

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Print size: 26 1/4" x 39 1/4"; image size: 19 1/2" x 24 1/2"

These birds were probably painted in Louisiana c. 1825.

Hummingbirds, found only in the New World, fascinated Americans and Europeans of Audubon's day.  To gratify this widespread curiosity with a number of views of the diminutive ruby-throat, he placed ten of them together, although in nature they are too pugnacious to associate this closely.

He spoke glowingly of this bird of eastern North America:  "No sooner has the returned sun again introduced the vernal season, and caused millions of plants to expand their leaves and blossoms to the genial beams, than the little Hummingbird is seen advancing on fairy wings, carefully visiting every opening flower cup."  And Frank M. Chapman, in his Handbook of Birds of Eastern North America, wrote, "The Ruby-throat needs no song.  Its beauty gives it distinction, and its wings make music."