These Vintage Wildlife Prints Are Now Available for Free Download
While tracking birds across the U.S. and Canada, Audubon recorded their appearance, habits, and even their apparent demeanor in a book that would be called "Birds of America." The text documented the natural habitats of the continent's birds, and it has now come to serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of conservation. The Carolina parrot, for instance, which Audubon reproduced in detail in his book, became extinct in the early 20th century after the last captive bird died in 1918.
Nearly 200 years later, the collection is now available for high-resolution download through the Audubon website. The online library can be used as a point of reference for ornithologists and amateur birdwatchers alike.
Anyone can now download the prints for posters or other artwork and screen-printing projects. Explore some of the best prints that are now available through the Audubon's website.
Great Cinerous Owl
The large owl was known to Audubon for its "great antipathy to cats and dogs."
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Tengmalms Owl
This owl emits a "single melancholy note" at night.
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Californian Partridge
Audubon spotted this bird near Santa Barbara, California in 1837.
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Scarlet Ibis
Known for its striking color, the Scarlet Ibis could be found in the Bayou Sara of Louisiana.
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Carolina Parrot
The Carolina parrot was declared extinct in the early 20th century.
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Black White Creeper
Despite its spooky name, the creeper is nothing to fear. The bird survived mostly on ants and larvae.
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Baltimore Oriole
"How delightful must it be to hear the melody resulting from thousands of musical voices that come from some neighboring tree," Audubon wrote of hearing the oriole's song while traveling along the Mississippi River.
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Mango Hummingbird
This hummingbird feeds on begonias and other tubulars.
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Yellow Winged Sparrow
This chipper sparrow is native to New England.
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Tufted Auk
This bird was extremely rare in North America, but somewhat common in the Arctic, according to the artist.
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Puffin
The American puffin was sometimes known as a "Sea Parrot."
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Purple Sandpiper
These birds were abundant in the markets of Boston and New York, Audubon wrote.
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Lesser Tern
"Few birds are more gentle than this delicate species," Audubon wrote of the Lesser Tern.