The image is a vintage illustration of a bird, likely a grebe, in water. The bird is depicted in a side profile, with a rounded body and a long, pointed beak. Its plumage is a rich, dark brown, with subtle variations in tone that suggest texture. The bird is partially submerged in water, which is rendered with horizontal lines to indicate movement and texture. The background is a pale yellow, and there is text at the bottom of the image that reads 'Podiceps Ki.'. The style of the illustration is reminiscent of 19th-century natural history illustrations, with a focus on accurate detail and a delicate use of line and shading.