Great Britain, [John Cooper and Sons?], ca. 1900. Taxidermy bow-fronted cased (41 x 39 x 20 cm) in naturalistic winter setting. Case with three glass panels (bow front and two side panels) and hanger.

An excellent Victorian taxidermy case - if not a small diorama - of a female common kestrel, Falco tinnunculus Linnaeus. (German: Turmfalke; French: faucon crécerelles; Dutch: torenvalk) catching a siskin, Spinus spinus (Linnaeus) (German: Erlenzeisig; French: tarin des aulnes; Dutch: sijs). Two fine, wonderfully preserved taxidermy cased specimens. This falcon is one of the most successful birds-of-prey in the temperate regions of the Old World, occurring in a wide variety of landscapes. It preys on mice and other small animals. "The kestrel was once used to drive and keep away pigeons" (Wikipedia). The siskin is a common European bird, more often seen during winter times. The case differs from most such cases because oif its more detailed and naturalistic setting. Case paint cover chipped here and there, especially at edges, otherwise very good. Note: we do not ship this item outside the EU.