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Hooded Warblers
1900–09
Gerald H. Thayer and Gladys Thayer
watercolor, stencil, and oil on wood
30.7 x 25.6 cm
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the heirs of Abbott H. Thayer


Painted by Abbott Thayer's son and daughter, this depiction of the Hooded or Yellow-Throated Warbler and its background demonstrates natural camouflage. The bird on the overlay has the same color and pattern as its background, which is painted on the underlying panel. You can demonstrate this by placing your mouse over the image, and you will see the form of the bird appear in the mask.