Swift Parrot (*Lathamus discolor*) – Original lithograph by Green, Mathews (1910–27)

Swift Parrot: A Study in Motion and Restraint

This original early twentieth-century hand-colored lithograph depicts Lathamus discolor, known as the Swift Parrot. The plate belongs to Gregory M. Mathews’ monumental publication The Birds of Australia, illustrated by Roland Green and issued by Witherby & Co.

Perched lightly upon a slender eucalyptus branch, the bird is rendered with refined clarity: deep emerald plumage, a vivid scarlet throat patch, and cool blue accents along the wing coverts and tail. The composition is open and balanced, allowing the figure to command attention through tonal harmony rather than theatrical contrast.

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Visual and Aesthetic Analysis

Roland Green constructs the image with characteristic restraint. The parrot’s elongated silhouette, tapering tail, and poised stance suggest alertness and speed—qualities embedded in both the species name and the visual design. The green body is subtly modelled through layered feather texture, while the scarlet throat introduces a controlled yet striking chromatic accent.

The surrounding eucalyptus leaves are delicately suggested rather than fully developed, reinforcing a sense of lightness. This sparseness of setting enhances the decorative clarity of the bird, giving the print a refined and contemporary wall presence despite its early twentieth-century origin.

About the Species

The Swift Parrot is native to southeastern Australia and Tasmania, historically known for its rapid flight and migratory behaviour. Unlike many larger parrots, it combines slender proportions with vivid colour contrast, making it both ecologically distinctive and visually compelling.

Today the species is regarded as critically endangered, adding a modern layer of significance to early ornithological depictions such as this. Mathews’ documentation preserves not only taxonomy, but a visual record of Australia’s fragile avian heritage.

Condition Report

Very good antique condition. Fresh original hand-coloring with strong lithographic impression. Printed on fine early twentieth-century wove paper. Minor age toning slightly more visible along the outer margins, consistent with age.

Details

• Author: Gregory M. Mathews
• Illustrator: Roland Green (“Green del.”)
• Work: The Birds of Australia
• Species: Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolor)
• Period: circa 1910
• Technique: Original hand-colored lithograph
• Paper: Fine original wove paper
• Publisher: Witherby & Co.

For further insight into Roland Green’s contribution to ornithological illustration: Roland Green – Dynamic Vision and Field-Born Precision in Bird Art