Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (Muscivora forficata) - Oklahoma State Bird
Limited edition print (Lithograph or Offset Lithograph) on paper • Don Winter (signed 'WINT 82' in plate; hand-signed 'D. Winter' in lower right margin)
Style & Movement
Natural History Illustration / American Wildlife Realism
Medium & Technique
Mechanical reproduction of a watercolor or gouache painting, featuring hand-signing and numbering in pencil. Employs fine-line illustrational techniques and subtle color gradations.
Creation Period
1982 (based on the printed caption '1982 Diamond Jubilee Year')
Dimensions & Format
Landscape format. Estimated image size approximately 18 x 24 inches (24 x 30 inches framed).
Subject Description
Two Scissor-tailed Flycatchers perched and nesting in a deciduous tree (likely mulberry based on berries). One bird is in flight or landing with its distinctive long tail splayed, while the other sits in a detailed nest. The composition follows the tradition of John James Audubon, focusing on anatomical accuracy and botanical context.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The print appears well-preserved under glass, though there is visible reflection indicating the glass may not be museum-grade.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $100 USD
Provenance History
Likely commissioned or released in 1982 to commemorate Oklahoma's Diamond Jubilee. The print is numbered 115/1000 in the lower left margin, indicating a limited retail or commemorative distribution.
Art Historical Significance
An example of late 20th-century regional wildlife art. It holds more cultural and commemorative value for the state of Oklahoma than global art-historical weight, representing the intersection of state identity and nature conservation art.
Notable Features
Includes a printed commemorative caption for Oklahoma’s 1982 Diamond Jubilee. Features the artist's signature both within the print plate and as a live graphite signature in the margin. Numbered 115 of a 1000-print edition.
Condition Issues
Possible minor light fading from display; potential for acidic matting burn if original 1980s materials were used. No visible foxing or tearing from the image provided.
Conservation Recommendations
Replace existing glass with UV-protective museum glass if not already present. Ensure the backing and matting are acid-free (archival) to prevent future yellowing or 'mat burn' on the paper edges.