AUDUBON, John James (1785-1851), Vol. I, Plate 5, Richardson's Columbia Squirrel

Painted by John James Audubon (1785-1851) with background likely by Victor Gifford Audubon (1809-1860)

Plate V - Richardson's Columbia Squirrel

From: Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America

New York: 1845-1848

Hand colored lithograph

Sheet size: 21 ¼” x 27”

The following passage is included in the accompanying description of Sciurus Richardsonii, Bach. Richardson's Columbian Squirrel:

“The only knowledge we have obtained of the habits of this species, is contained in a note from Mr. Townsend, who obtained the specimen from which the above description was taken. He remarks: "It is evidently a distinct species. Its habits are very different from the Sciurus Hudsonius. It frequents the pine trees in the high ranges of the Rocky Mountains west of the Great Chain, feeding upon the seeds contained in the cones. These seeds are large and white, and contain a good deal of nutriment. The Indians eat a great quantity of them, and esteem them good. " The note of this squirrel is a loud jarring chatter, very different from the noise of Sciurus Hudsonius. It is not at all shy, frequently coming down to the foot of the tree to reconnoitre the passenger, and scolding at him vociferously. It is, I think, a scarce species."