Audubon Bird Print: Fork-tailed Flycatcher 1832 Vintage Ornithology Art
This Audubon bird print features the scientifically precise 1832 study of the Fork-tailed Flycatcher perched on white Loblolly Bay blossoms. Each vintage ornithological illustration is reproduced on museum-grade matte paper for historical accuracy.
What You Will Receive
- Made to order, museum-grade art print. Frame not included unless stated.
- Printed on 200 GSM premium matte paper for crisp detail and zero glare.
- Archival giclée inks that resist fading for decades.
- Multiple size options. Use the selector above.
- Protective packaging: rigid mailer or sturdy tube.
Print Quality
Every print is produced using state-of-the-art giclée technology on heavyweight 200 GSM matte paper. The non-reflective surface eliminates glare while the archival pigment inks deliver rich, accurate colours designed to last a lifetime.
Size Guide
For walls above furniture, choose a print roughly two thirds to three quarters the width of the piece below it. Smaller sizes up to 11×14 inches suit gallery walls. Larger formats of 18×24 inches and above create striking focal points.
Verified Customer Reviews
Shipping
Every order is printed on demand. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days, then ships free worldwide with tracking.
| Region | Processing | Delivery | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 3–5 days | 2–6 days | 5–11 days |
| Canada | 3–5 days | 5–10 days | 8–15 days |
| UK & Europe | 3–5 days | 5–10 days | 8–15 days |
| Australia & NZ | 3–5 days | 8–15 days | 11–20 days |
| Asia | 3–5 days | 7–15 days | 10–20 days |
| Rest of world | 3–5 days | 10–20 days | 13–25 days |
📦 Packaging
Prints up to 12×18 inches ship flat in rigid cardboard mailers with backing board. Larger prints are rolled in sturdy tubes with protective end caps. Every package includes moisture barriers and Handle With Care labels.
Returns and Replacements
- 30-day return window from delivery. No questions asked.
- Report damage within 48 hours with photos for a free replacement.
- Full refunds for eligible returns in original condition.
- Cancel before production starts for a complete refund.
- Return shipping covered for defective or incorrect items.
Need help? info.merchfuse@gmail.com
How to Care for Your Print
Follow these steps to keep your print looking gallery fresh for decades.
Handling
Allow rolled prints to relax flat for 30 to 60 minutes. Handle by the edges with clean, dry hands and avoid touching the printed surface.
Placement
Avoid direct sunlight, heat sources and high humidity areas. North-facing walls receive less UV. Use LED or incandescent lighting instead of fluorescent.
Framing
Use acid-free mats and UV protective glass or acrylic for maximum longevity. Leave a small gap between print and glazing for airflow.
Cleaning
Dust framed glass with a soft cloth. Spray the cloth, not the glass. For unframed prints, use a dry microfibre cloth and never apply liquids to the surface.
Climate
Keep temperature at 18–24 °C and humidity at 40–60%. Avoid attics, basements and garages where conditions swing widely.
Storage
Store flat in acid-free folders, interleaved with tissue paper, in a cool dark place. Never fold. Check stored prints annually.
⚠️ Avoid
- Prolonged direct sunlight or fluorescent lighting.
- Bathrooms, kitchens and areas above heat sources.
- Tape, adhesives or liquids applied directly to the print.
- Rolling with the image facing inward as this can crack the ink layer.
- Extreme or rapid temperature and humidity changes.
📊 Expected Lifespan
- 100+ years when framed with UV protective glazing and indirect light.
- 50–75 years when framed with standard glass and indirect light.
- 25–50 years when stored correctly in darkness.
This authentic Audubon bird print reproduces the 1832 study of the Fork-tailed Flycatcher, a species known for its distinct tail feathers and energetic flight. The original watercolor by John James Audubon captures the specimen with anatomical precision, documenting the elongated outer rectrices that define the Tyrannus savana. As part of the preliminary work for The Birds of America, this specific study served as the basis for Havell plate 168. The composition highlights the bird perched upon a flowering branch of Gordonia lasianthus, commonly known as Loblolly Bay. Each petal and stamen is rendered with scientific accuracy, providing a balanced visual narrative between the avian subject and its botanical environment. This vintage ornithological illustration is a primary example of 19th-century natural history documentation, where art and science converged to catalog the diverse species of the Americas.
The Historical Context of the Audubon Bird Print
The production of the Audubon bird print required a meticulous process of hand-coloring and copperplate engraving. This reproduction honors that legacy by utilizing modern printing techniques that preserve the subtle gradations of the original watercolor washes. During the 1830s, Audubon traveled extensively across North America, observing birds in their natural habitats to ensure his drawings reflected their true behavior and physical proportions. The Fork-tailed Flycatcher is depicted here with its black cap and bright yellow crown patch visible, a detail often hidden in the field but revealed through close study. Collectors of the Audubon bird print often value these prints for their ability to bring historical naturalism into a modern interior space. The contrast between the stark white flowers and the deep charcoal tones of the bird’s tail creates a sophisticated palette suitable for various decor styles. Whether displayed in a study, library, or living room, the image serves as a notable focal point for any room. Each Audubon bird print is produced on 200 GSM museum-grade matte paper, ensuring a substantial feel and a surface that minimizes glare under indoor lighting. We utilize fade-resistant archival inks that are specifically formulated for professional large-format reproduction. This ensures that the deep blacks and subtle greys of the flycatcher’s plumage remain vivid for decades. The paper is acid-free, preventing the yellowing or degradation often seen in lower-quality reproductions. This natural history bird poster is supplied in a standard frame-ready format, making it easy to incorporate into an existing collection or start a new focal point on a blank wall. The level of detail in the John James Audubon wall decor allows for close inspection, revealing the delicate textures of the feathers and the organic veins of the leaves. Integrating this Audubon bird print into your home decor provides a connection to the rich heritage of environmental exploration. The Fork-tailed Flycatcher art represents a specific moment in time when the frontiers of the natural world were being documented with a level of dedication rarely seen today. The composition is structured vertically, emphasizing the dramatic length of the bird’s tail, which can reach up to three times the length of its body. This verticality makes the print an ideal choice for narrow wall spaces or as a central element in a stacked gallery arrangement. Acquiring an Audubon bird print allows you to appreciate the intersections of history, biology, and fine art. The meticulous rendering of the Gordonia lasianthus flowers adds a secondary layer of interest, appealing to those with an interest in botanical art as well as ornithology. The print maintains the integrity of the 1832 sketch, including the handwritten notes and taxonomic labels that characterize authentic archival documents. This approach ensures that the viewer experiences the artwork as it appeared on the naturalist’s desk nearly two centuries ago.
Paper: 200 GSM museum-grade matte finish.
Inks: Fade-resistant archival, professional large-format.
Framing: Ships unframed, standard frame-ready.
Digital download: 300 DPI PDF/JPG at $3.90.
This is fan-inspired artwork and an original artistic interpretation. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially licensed by any studio, production company, label, artist, photographer, or rights holder.
Price range: $3.90 through $59.90
Price range: $3.90 through $59.90
Price range: $3.90 through $59.90
Price range: $3.90 through $59.90
