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Australia: 1999-1900

This page is part of the main list of Australian bird books which is split by date.

Bird books: 2000 onwards
Bird books: 1999 to 1900
Bird books: 1899 to 1794

Australian bird art

Australian bird art

Australian states and external territories

Christmas Island
New South Wales/ACT
Norfolk Island
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia

Australian species

Bowerbirds
Cassowary
Cockatoos
Emu
Fairy-Wrens
Kookaburra
Lyrebirds
Pardalote

Australian series

HANZAB
Birds of Australia series
RAOU monographs
Collins regional guides
The State of Australia's Birds
Australian Nat. Hist. Series

Australian publishers

CSIRO
Nat. Lib. Australia

Oceania/Australasia

Oceania

Handbook of Australian, New Zealand, and Antarctic Birds: Volume 4: Parrots to Dollarbirds

Editor: P. J. Higgins

Oxford University Press

1999

"Volume 4 of HANZAB covers 119 species, of which 107 breed in the region. They include some of the most spectacular birds found in HANZAB, such as cockatoos and cockatriel; parrots, fig-parrots, rosellas and lorikeets; cuckoos and koels; owls; barn owls; frog mouths; nightjars; goatsuckers or nighthawks; owlet-nightjars; swifts; kingfishers; bee-eaters; dollarbirds. The information is presented in sections; field identification, habitat, distribution and population, movements, food, social organization, social behavioura, voice, breeding, plumages, and external morphology. The accounts include black and white illustrations of behavioural postures and plumage features, maps showing breeding and non-breeding distribution, sonograms of calls and songs, and diagrams of timing of breeding and moulting. The accounts conclude with a full list of references."

The Directory of Australian Birds: Passerines

R. Schodde and I.J. Mason

1999

"Ornithologists need precise information about the habitat and diversity of bird species before effective conservation strategies can be put in place, the Directory of Australian Birds indentifies and lists the regionally recognizable forms of Australian birds. Volume 1 focuses on songbirds, or passerines (wrens, warblers, honeyeaters etc), it lists 340 species as well as 720 distinct regional forms. The book maps the distribution, summarizes the habitat, assesses the conservation status, and pinpoints the centres of diversity and endemism of each form."

The Best of Australian Birds

Dave Watts

1999

"This collection of photographs of species of birds from all the key habitats of Australia is presented in a large format, including many double-page spreads. Informative text and captions accompany the photography."

Kingfishers & Kookaburras: Jewels of the Australian Bush

David Hollands

1999

"There are ten species of kingfishers and kookaburras in Australia: one of the most spectacular and well-known group of birds. They are raucous, colourful and much loved. This book consists of ten essays, one on each bird, accompanied by spectacular photographs. The book includes field notes of the birds, and distribution maps."

Field Guide To The Birds of Australia

Ken Simpson & Nicolas Day

6th edition

1998

"The most comprehensive one-volume book of identification for Australian birds. Completely revised with all new maps, text and many new or revised colour plates."

Birds Of Australia

Graham Pizzey and Frank Knight

1998

"The most up-to-date, comprehensive and stunningly-illustrated handbook for all those interested in Australian birds. Field Guide Birds of Australia features: essential information on 778 species of birds; 250 specially-commissioned full-colour plates, with more than 2,500 individual portraits; identification features highlighted in the text; full details of the breeding and nesting habits, voice characteristics, habitats and range of each species; and more than 700 distribution maps."

Birdwatching in Australia and New Zealand

Ken Simpson and Zoë Wilson

1998

"This is a comprehensive introduction to birdwatching in Australia and New Zealand, linking bird observation to habitat with a special emphasis on conservation. The book covers a diverse range of subjects: where to find various birds; migration patterns; breeding habits; bird calls; equipment; how to combine bird watching with other hobbies; and birdwatching for the disabled. It lists popular spots to visit, where to buy tools, and birdwatching clubs. Colour photographs help with identification of various birds."

Where to Watch Birds in Australasia and Oceania

Nigel Wheatley

1998

"Where to Watch Birds in Australasia and Oceania is the fourth guide in a series that will ultimately cover the whole world. It describes over two hundred major sites in detail and many more in passing, from New Guinea to New Zealand and across the Pacific to Hawaii. Most important, it answers crucial questions you find yourself asking before you go: Where can I see birds that epitomize the region? Which country supports the best cross section of species and the most endemics, and which sites do I need to visit to see most of them? How long do I need, and when is the best time to go? The layout of the book is practical, with countries, archipelagos, and islands treated alphabetically. General introductions to each country are followed by site details, which include bird lists under the headings "Endemics," "Specialties," and "Others"; a list of other wildlife if applicable; and the latest information on where to look for the best birds. Over one hundred maps and fifty line drawings complement the text. This guide will prove invaluable in both the preparation and execution of birding trips to any country, archipelago, or island in this highly varied region of the world."

Birds of Australia: Green Guide

Peter Rowland

1998

"There are over 700 species of birds in Australia, and this book provides an introduction to the major groups, with an emphasis on those that the amateur naturalist and nature-lover is most likely to see. The book is organized into six sections which cover birds of prey, waders and waterbirds, seabirds, songbirds, pigeons and parrots and other birds. Information is organized simply, with individual species or group entries describing key characteristics - where they are found, food requirements and behavioural habits. Each entry is accompanied by a colour photograph and, where appropriate, distribution maps. A key feature of the text is the "gee whiz" spreads which answer many of the most commonly asked questions about why birds do what they do, revealing facts and providing practical information for the amateur enthusiast."

Birds of Prey of Australia: Field Guide to Australian Raptors

Stephen Debus

1998

"This comprehensive, illustrated field guide to the birds of prey of Australia highlights the unique or special Australian species, and what can be done to help those at risk. This book is intended for professional and amateur ornithologists; naturalists; bush-walkers; conservationists; tourists."

CSIRO List of Australian Vertebrates: A Reference with Conservation Status

Malcolm Stanger, Mark Clayton, Richard Schodde, John Wombey, Ian Mason

1998

"After 200 years of settlement, the taxonomy of Australia's biota is incomplete. Even in the better-known vertebrates, new species are still being discovered, particularly in reptiles and bats, and in birds over 50 distinct regional subspecies have yet to be described. This title seeks to address these shortcomings by providing a definitive and current list of names of Australian vertebrates. Additional features include specification of legislated protection for threatened species for all states and territories - including listings in the Action Plans of Environment Australia and the IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals, and cross-referencing to ABRS Census of Australian Vertebrate Species list."

Parrots of Australia: Green Guide

Terence R. Lindsay

1998

"Parrots are colourful and conspicuous and capture the imagination of bird observers and visitors to Australia. This text explains how to distinguish one from another and presents some of the details of their lives and behaviour. Covering all of the parrot species in Australia, the book is organized into six sections - the cockatoos, the lorikeets, the grass parrots, the rosellas, offshore parrots and other parrots. Information is organized simply, with individual species entries describing key characteristics such as where they are found, food requirements and behavioural habits. Each entry is accompanied by colour photographs and, where appropriate, distribution maps. A key feature of the text is the "gee whiz" section which answers many of the most commonly asked questions about why parrots do what they do, revealing interesting facts and providing practical information for the amateur enthusiast."

Zoological Catalogue of Australia, Vol. 37.2: Aves (Columbidae to Coraciidae)

Editor: R. Schodde. I.J. Mason

1997

"This is the first of four proposed volumes that will catalogue the birds of Australia. It contains a wealth of detail about the complex nomenclature and includes informative qualifications and taxonomic decisions. The Catalogue also documents type localities, distribution, ecology and bibliographic references."

Sea Birds and others of the Great Barrier Reef, Australasia, South Pacific and Indian Ocean

Neville Coleman

1997

Australian Raptor Studies II

Editor: Gregory Czechura, Stephen Debus

Royal Australian Ornithologists Union

1997

"A compilation of papers from the Australasian Raptor Association's second annual conference at Currumbin Sanctuary, Queensland in April 1996.This volume features topics on various Owl species, Diurnal Raptors, and Education and Rehabilitation of raptors in Australia."

Handbook of Australian, New Zealand, and Antarctic Birds: Volume 3: Snipe to Pigeons

Editor: P. J. Higgins

Oxford University Press

1996

"HANZAB is one of the world's major ornithological projects, and the first two volumes have attracted both critical praise and an international market. Volume 3 covers 129 species - the pratincoles, migratory waders and shore-birds, skuas, gulls and terns, and pigeons and doves. Many of the birds are virtually cosmopolitan in their distribution and are familiar to ornithologists throughout the world; such as the migratory waders which travel thousands of kilometres each year from their breeding grounds in the northern hemisphere to spend the southern winter in Australia and New Zealand. Information is presented in sections covering field identification, habitat, distribution and population, movements, food, social organization, social behaviour, voice, breeding, and plumages. Each account has a full list of references and black-and-white illustrations of behavioural postures and plumage features, maps showing breeding and non-breeding distribution, sonograms of calls and songs, and diagrams of timing of breeding and moulting."

Field Guide To The Birds of Australia

Ken Simpson & Nicolas Day

5th edition

1996

"The most comprehensive one-volume book of identification for Australian birds. Completely revised with all new maps, text and many new or revised colour plates."

A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Australia

Peter Rowland

1st edition

1995

"This photographic guide deals with the basics of bird identification in Australia by presenting those species that are most likely to be seen in accessible habitats throughout the region. The book is aimed directly at field identification. For those species that are sexually dimorphic, have both breeding and non-breeding plumages, or in which the juvenile plumage differs markedly from that of the adult, more than one photograph has been included. Thumbnail silhouettes aid the reader in quickly locating the correct group of birds, and for each species account a map shows the bird's distribution."

Australian Birds of Prey

Penny Olsen

1995

"Authoritative natural history and biology of these raptors, with comprehensive identitification information and illustrations to each species. Ecology, reproduction, nutrition, behaviour, health and conservation issues are all included, along with the interaction of the birds with humans."

Which Bird of Prey is that? Field Guide To The Identification Of Australian Birds Of Prey

Gordon Beruldsen

"Of all the groupings of birds in the world few capture the awe and admiration inspired by the diurnal birds of prey, the raptors. Identification of raptors thus becomes an important segment of birdwatching. One of the major difficulties with raptor identification is that many of our birds of prey are frequently seen on the wing high in the sky and often at a great distance. This book provides a general easy to follow guide to distant identification of Australian eagles, hawks, harriers, kites, falcons and goshawks in normal weather conditions."

Handbook of Australian, New Zealand, and Antarctic Birds: Volume 2: Raptors to Lapwings

Editors: S. Marchant and P. J. Higgins

Oxford University Press

1994

"Complementing the 196 species detailed in the highly acclaimed first volume, Volume Two deals with 119 of the 900 birds recorded in Australia, New Zealand and Antarctica, the Antarctic and subantarctic islands, the external territories of Cocos-Keeling, Christmas, Lord Howe, Norfolk, Kermadec, and Chatham Islands, and the islands and reefs of the Coral Sea. The information is presented in sections: Field Identification, Habitat, Distribution and Population, Movements, Food, Social Organization, Social Behaviour, Voice, Breeding, and Plumages and related matters, and each account concludes with a full list of references. The accounts also include black-and-white illustrations of behavioural postures and plumage features, maps showing breeding and non-breeding distribution, sonagrams of calls and songs, diagrams of timing of breeding and moulting, and 70 colour plates, specially painted for HANZAB by Jeff Davies."

The Taxonomy and Species of Birds of Australia

Les Christidis and Walter E. Boles

Royal Australian Ornithologists Union

1994

"Incorporates a species list of all birds recorded in Australia and its territories, including extinct species, introduced species and vagrants, and a lengthy discussion of the taxonomy and taxonomic arguments used to explain changes to the previous accepted list. This is the standard reference for common and scientific names and the taxonomic order used by Australian ornithological journals."

Australian Owls, Frogmouths and Nightjars

Jill Morris & Lynne Tracey

1993/2003

"A stunning collection of portraits of Australia's night birds. Each one features a detailed report, a distribution map, a poem, and a painting in gouache of the bird against the background of its natural habitat and the food it eats."

Australian Raptor Studies

Editor: Penny Olsen

1993

Papers originally presented at the Australasian Raptor Association conference on September 21st-22nd 1989."

Handbook of Australian, New Zealand, and Antarctic Birds: Volume 1: Ratites to Ducks

Editors: S. Marchant and P. J. Higgins

Oxford University Press

1991

"Volume 1 (in 2 parts) covers emus to ducks - 196 species of which 162 breed in the region. The text for each bird includes field identification, habitat, distribution, movements, food, voice, social organization and behaviour, breeding, and plumage. There are superb colour illustrations of every species, showing developmental and seasonal changes in the plumage and bare parts. Distribution both within and beyond the range is shown on maps. Line drawings of displays and other postures, diagrams of the annual cycle of each species, and sonagrams of important calls are also included."

Australian Waterbirds: A Field Guide

Richard Kingsford

1991

"This book gives a brief account of the natural history for 88 species of waterbird which can be seen in the inland of Australia. There is a coloured photograph of each of these species with keys around each plate to enable quick identification. Useful advice is also given on where to find waterbirds, together with an explanation of the problems of conservation."

Birds Of The Night: Owls, Frogmouths and Nightjars of Australia

David Hollands

1991

224 guide with colour photographs that covers the 16 species of owls, frogmouths and nightjars of Australia.

Threatened Birds Of Australia: An Annotated List

Editors: Joost Brouwer and Stephen Garnett

Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union

1990

Ecology of Birds, an Australian Perspective

Hugh A. Ford

1989

Where to Find Birds in Australia

John Bransbury

1987

540 page guide to birdwatching sites in Australia.

Australia: Land Of Birds

Donald & Molly Trounson

1987

Shorebirds in Australia

Brett Lane

Nelson Publishers

1987

Your Garden Birds

Ellen M. McCulloch

1987

Reader's Digest Complete Book of Australian Birds

Editor: Richard Schodde and Sonia Tidemann

2nd edition

1986

A 640 page guide to Australian birds with species descriptions and a number of general chapters covering topics such as migration, behaviour and taxonomy.

Birds of Australia: A Book Of Identification

Ken Simpson & Nicolas Day

1986

Covers 758 species with 128 colour plates.

The Great Australian Birdfinder

Michael Morcombe

1986

The Heritage Of Australian Birds

Glenn Holmes

Popular Books

1986

Possibly a reprint of an earlier publication.

Birds of the Eucalypt Forests and Woodlands

Editor: A. Keast, H. Recher, H. Ford and D. Saunders

1985

"A comprehensive review of the ecology, conservation and management of a unique group of birds, many of which depend on eucalypts for their survival."

Australian Tropical Birds

Colin & Dawn Frith

1985

Australian Birds: A Popular Guide To Bird Life

J.D. MacDonald

1985

The Waterbirds of Australia

J.D. Pringle

Angus and Robertson

1985

The Atlas of Australian Birds

M. Blakers, S.J.J.F. Davies, P.N Reilly

1984

Of Birds And Billabongs

Allan Fox and Steve Parish

1983

Pigeons and Doves of Australia

H.J. Frith

1982

Guide to the 25 species of pigeons and doves of Australia. Text supported by colour plates showing all plumages, sonograms, and distribution maps.

The Field Guide to Birds of Australia

Graham Pizzey

Collins

1st edition

1981

Hawks in Focus: A Study of Australia's Birds of Prey

Jack Cupper, Lindsay Cupper

1981

A study of the 24 Australian diurnal raptors with colour photographs and distribution maps.

The Cockatoos and Nestors of Australia and New Zealand

Gracius J. Broinswski

A limited edition publication of 13 colour plates originally published in 1888. In addition to facsimile reproduction of the original plates and text this edition includes supporting appendices.

Australian Parrots

Joseph M. Forshaw

Second (Regular) Edition

Landowne Press

1981

A single volume publication of material originally published in 1980 in a limited edition two volume set.. 312 pages in total with 55 colour plates by William Cooper, plus 55 distribution maps, 55 line drawings. Includes detailed descriptions of every species and subspecies, with information on distribution, habitat, habits, movements, feeding and breeding. Also includes information on parrots in captivity

Australian Parrots

Joseph M. Forshaw

Second (Limited) Edition

Landowne Press

1980

Limited edition two volume publication in a solander box. 380 pages in total with 56 colour plates by William Cooper, plus distribution maps and other illustrations.

Volume I: Loriinae and Cacatuinae (150 pages)

Volume 2: Psittacinae (228 pages)

Subsequently published in a single volume regular edition in 1981.

Birds of Australian Gardens

Tess Kloot and Ellen M. McCulloch

Rigby

1980

Describes 80 of the birds most commonly seen in cities in different regions of the country. Includes 78 full page colour plates.

A Field Guide to Nests and Eggs of Australian Birds

Gordon Beruldsen

1980

A 450 page book.

Nocturnal Birds of Australia

Richard Schodde

Foreword: David Fleay

Lansdowne Editions

1980

Morocco bound, signed, limited edition. Includes 22 full page colour plates and other illustrations.

Australian Birds

Marion Petrie and Robin Hill

1979

Rare And Vanishing Australian Birds

Peter Slater

1978

94 pages with colour plates by Peter Slater.

Distribution Of Birds On The Australian Mainland

John R. Busby and S.J.J.F. Davies

1977

Australian Birds in Colour

Keith Hindwood

1977

112 page guide with colour photographs.

Reader's Digest Complete Book of Australian Birds

Editor: H.J. Frith

Reader's Digest

1st edition

1976

A 616 page guide to Australian birds with species descriptions and a number of general chapters covering topics such as migration, behaviour and taxonomy.

This edition was reprinted a number of times, with minor alterations, in the late 1970's and early 1980's. A second edition was published in 1986.

Birds Of New Guinea And Tropical Australia

William S. peckover and L.W.C. Filewood

1976

Interim list of Australian songbirds: Passerines

R. Schodde

1975

Checklist Of The Birds Of Australia, Part One: Non-Passerines

H.T. Condon

1975

Every Australian Bird Illustrated

Editor: Peter Wade

1975

Bird Life

Ian Rowley

1975

Bush Birds Of Australia

Allen Keast

1975

A Field Guide to Australian Birds, Volume Two: Passerines

Peter Slater

1974

The second volume of a two volume set.

Birds of the Harold Hall Australian Expeditions, 1962-70

Editor: B.P. Hall

1974

Narratives of the expeditions followed by systematic list of bird specimens.

Birds of Australia: A Summary of Information

J.D. MacDonald

H. F. & G. Witherby

1973

Smaller Land Birds of Australia

Gordon Beruldsen

1972

A 64 page booklet.

Larger Land Birds of Australia

Gordon Beruldsen

1972

A 64 page booklet.

Australian Birds

Marion Petrie and Robin Hill

1972

A Field Guide to Australian Birds, Volume One: Non-Passerines

Peter Slater

1971

The first volume of a two volume set.

The Handbook Of Australian Sea-Birds

D.L. Serventy, Vincent Serventy, John Warham

1971

A description of the seabirds found around Australian plus a summary of seabird ecology. Includes colour and black and white photographs, black and white illustrations and maps and charts.

Water Birds Of Australia

Gordon Beruldsen

1971

"Discover Australia's waterbirds the easy way! Comprehensive lists, complete descriptions and comments. All the observer should know about recognizing birds and bird calls. Habitat. Photography. Clubs and societies. Albatross; Avocet; Bittern; Bushhen; Coot; Cormorant; Crake; Curlew; Darter; Dotterel; Duck; Egret; Frigate-Bird; Gannet; Goose; Grebe; Gull; Heron; Ibis; Lotus-Bird; Moorhen; Native Hen; Oyster-Catcher; Penguin; Petrel; Plover; Prion; Rail; Shearwater; Skua; Snipe; Spoonbill; Stilt; Storm-Petrel; Swamphen; Tern; Tropic-Bird."

Common Australian Birds Of Towns And Gardens

Graeme Chapman

1970

The Corner: A Naturalist's Journeys In South-Eastern Australia

Robin Hill

1970

Common Australian Birds

Alan and Shirley Bell

1969

Revised edition of the 1959 publication Some Common Australian Birds.

Australian Flycatchers

Brigadier Hugh R. Officer

1969

An Index Of Australian Bird Names

Division of Wildlife Research

1969

The Official Checklist Of The Birds Of Australia

Royal Australian Ornithological Society

Second and revised edition

1968

Bush Quest

Robin Hill

Lansdowne Press

1968?

A collection of essays and stories many of which originally appeared in the Melbourne Age.

Nightwatchmen Of Bush And Plain: Australian Owls And Owl-Like Birds

J.David Fleay

1968

Published in the US in 1972 by Taplinger Publishing Company.

Australian Birds

Robin Hill

1967

270 page large format book.

Field Guide To The Waders

H.T. Condon and A.R. McGill

4th edition

1967

Waterfowl in Australia

H.J. Frith

1967

Subsequently revised at least twice.

The Parrots of Australia

William R. Eastman Jr & Alexander C. Hunt

1966

Covers all species with description, colour plate and distribution map for each.

Field Guide To The Hawks Of Australia

H.T. Condon

4th edition

1966

Australian Finches

Klaus Immelmann

Angus & Robertson

1965 (reissue 1985)

A study of the Estrildid Finches of Australia.

Bushland and Seashore

Robin Hill

1962

Australian Waterfowl

M.C. Downes & Ina Watson

Fisheries and Wild Life Department

1960

Bush Birds

Allen Keast

1960

Some Common Australian Birds

Alan and Shirley Bell

1956

The Literature of Australian Birds: A History and a Bibliography of Australian Ornithology

Hubert Massey Whittell

1954

A single volume that comprises two parts:

• Part 1, A History of Australian Ornithology 1618 to 1850 (116 pages)
• Part 2, A Bibliography Of Australian Ornithology 1618 To 1950, With Biographies Of Authors, Collectors And Others (788 pages)

A Working List of Australian Birds, including the Australian Quadrant and New Zealand

Gregory M. Mathews

1946

Our Own Birds Of Australia: A First Book For Bird Lovers

Edward A. Vidler

1931

Australian Birds

Shell Company of Australia

1930

Produced with the assistance of the Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union.

Birds And Green Places: A Book Of Australian Nature Gossip

Alec H. Chisholm

1929

Systema Avium Australasianarum: A Systematic List Of The Birds Of The Australasian Region

Gregory M. Mathews

Part 1 (1927), Part 2 (1930)

Mateship with Birds

Alec H. Chisholm

1922

From the chapter Days Among The Robins:

To those who know, or have known, the Australian Robins "at home" in their native haunts the very name carries a strong suggestion of the free spaces of the land. There is a subtle tang in the word, something to make the heart beat faster at the impulse of memories of Winter days among the little scarlet gems of the open areas, and Springtime communings with the yellow- breasted nymphs of the woods. What a happy coincidence it is, too, that most of the scientific titles bestowed upon these lovable birds hold a pleasant significance! Moreover, if not all of them are musical, they have nothing of the "mouth-filling" appearance that causes some folk to wrinkle supercilious noses at certain Latin names. Australia has, as set out by the Royal Australasian Ornithologists' Union, as many as 26 varieties of Robins, divided into eight genera. Comprising these are Red-breasts (4), Wood-Robins (4), Dusky-Robins (2), Shrike-Robins (12), Scrub-Robins (3), and one Fly-Robin. With the point as to whether any or all of these birds are true Robins according to the scientific standard I am not concerned; it is sufficient to know that they are of economic value to Australia, that many of them are considerably more beautiful than the Robins of other lands, and that some are as pleasantly fraternal as "the honest Robin that loves mankind" in the hard winter of the old world. By the same token, though, how useful it is for our Robins to be able to claim kinship with the estimable bird of Britain, giving them, as it does, a place in human affections that may not have been so readily attained on their merits

A Manual Of The Birds Of Australia

Volume I: Casuarii to Columbae

Gregory M. Matthews and Tom Iredale

H.F. & G. Witherby

1921

Only Volume I of a projected four volume work was published.

From the introduction:

We have attempted to provide a handy book of reference to the known facts concerning Australian birds for the use of students, and to this end have given a complete primary synonymy, with reference to the coloured plates furnished in Gould's and Mathews's Birds of Australia, the standard works on the subject. The present work is entirely based upon Mathews's work, in which will be found complete accounts, as far as recorded, of the life- histories and economics, with full discussion of all nomenclatural problems, dissertations on the phylogeny of the groups and detailed synonymy. Any item not fully understood in the present essay will be found elaborately explained in that place. We have extracted the detailed descriptions of the plumages from the same work, but have supplemented them whenever opportunity has been afforded by the receipt of new material, and have made reference to literature recently published for additional matter. With regard to the description of nests and eggs we have purposely restricted these to the smallest items possible, as Australians have already two magnificent works on this subject, viz., those of Campbell and North.

Some Useful Australian Birds

Walter W. Froggatt

1921

From the introduction:

The birds and animals of Australia won my affection in earliest boyhood, and the matter of their protection, for both economic and less material reasons, has appealed to me ever since. Like all biid and animal lovers, I look forward to the day when we may see the existing Acts simplified and their application enforced by some recognised authority, but that the issue must depend finally upon the popular attitude to the subject seems to be obvious. Unless the people themselves are awakened to the beauty and value of our fauna, no Act. however perfect, can be of much use. The protection of our native fauna must start from an economic basis, not a sentimental one. First, show the man on the land the economic value of the bird or beast ; demonstrate that they work for him by devouring destructive insects, or have a value as game, and he will not allow their wanton destruction, and you will need neither policeman nor warden to enforce the clauses of the act. Then let the teacher come along and show our rising generation the beauiy of form and colour, and the place in the woods and fields of each living creature. He will soon awaken a sympathy with the sentimental aspect of the question. Then our birds and beasts will be protected simply because they are birds and beasts, doing no harm but adding to the beauty and cheerfulness of the surroundings.

Birds of Our Bush, or Photography for Nature-Lovers

R.T. Littlejohns and S.A. Lawrence

Illustrated with photographs by the authors

Whitcombe & Tombs

1920

From the preface:

The object of this book is definite and restricted. No claim is made on its behalf to rank as a complete or a scientific treatise on Australian birds. It is simply a record of eleven years' work - if a pleasant occupation may be termed work - among the native birds of a limited portion of our great Continent, and a testimony in pictures to the possibilities of Nature photography. Our decision, as young observers entirely unequipped in literary ability, to commit our experiences to writing, was a momentous one. The idea originated in a deep desire to see placed in the hands of the public, especially of the younger generation, a volume which would set out clearly the possibilities and the accessibility of bird observation by means of the camera. We are convinced that the object of such a publication will commend itself to Nature lovers as well as to photographers.

In Australian Wilds: The Gleanings Of A Naturalist

Charles Barrett

Melbourne Publishing Company

1919

Opening lines:

The wattles on Olinda have blossomed many times since the spring of our advent. Three roving naturalists, familiar with the Bush, we had often slept on a bed of bracken, with stars winking at us be- tween gum tree boughs, and wakened at sunrise to hear birds singing and see dew shining on the grass. It is pleasant, now and then, to become a super-sun-downer, to go on the wallaby with swag and billy, careless whither a track leads, and take one's ease at the Inn of Stars. We were Bush ramblers always in holiday time, but we fell in love with Olinda Vale at first sight, and knew that it would long stay our wanderings: a valley abrim with sunshine, and loud with the songs of birds.

A List Of The Birds Of Australia

Gregory M. Matthews

1913

From the introduction:

The present List is simply the logical sequence to my "Reference List to the Birds of Australia," published in the Novitales Zoologicae, Vol. XVIII, January, 1912. I there placed on record the first attempt to deal with the Birds of Australia from the present day view of subspecies, using that term in its sense of geographical variety. I have endeavoured to make clear to Australians the present acceptance of geographical varieties as a factor which cannot be overlooked. I should also emphasize the fact that field-ornithologists all over the world are recognizing the value of the cabinet worker's methods of subdivision as being a mode whereby accuracy in field-observation is made possible. It is gratifying to acknowledge tliat the progressive ornithologists of Australia are rapidly realizing that the Birds of Australia must be studied from such a view-point, and are desirous of having a List for reference showing the subdivisions already effected. The preparation of such a List has been a great pleasure to me, as I feel confident that it will induce research into bird-life all over the Commonwealth.

The Birds Of Australia

A.H.S. Lucas and W.H. Dudley Le Souef

Whitcombe and Tombs

1911

From the preface:

This book is the complementary volume to "The Animals of Australia, Mammals, Reptiles, and Amphibians," of the same authors and publishers. As it was impossible to give a reasonable account of all the Air-breathing Vertebrates of Australia in one volume, the account of the Birds was reserved for the present work. The object and plan of this, as of the former, book are to serve the needs of the naturalist and to provide matter of interest for the general reader, by giving accurate descriptions and illustrations, and adding as much popular information as is available concerning habits and habitats. In order to avoid rendering the volume too bulky and too heterogeneous in character, we have refrained from speculations and general disquisitions. It seemed wiser to present the facts in an ordered manner, and to leave for other publications the more general features of our Avi-fauna, relationships, and origins.

The Birds Of Australia

Gregory M. Mathews

Witherby

1910-1927

(Note that this entry will be expanded)

Originally issued in 75 instalments. These were collected in 12 volumes which were published by Witherby between 1910 and 1927. A 13th volume collected supplementary instalments.

A List Of The Birds Of Australia

A.F. Basset Hull

1909

31 pages.

The Useful Birds Of Southern Australia: With Notes On Other Birds

Robert Hall

1907

Black and white illustrations. These are a mixture of photographs of illustrations from John Gould's Birds Of Australia and photographs of birds and nests from life.

From the introduction:

"Birds play a large part in the economy of nature. In relation to agriculture, fruit-growing, and forestry they are visible agents for good or for ill. The European Starling, lately introduced within our shores - and evidently here to stay - is undoubtedly a foe to the orchardist. On the other hand, until it increases beyond a certain limit, and seeks to change its food, it will remain a good ally of the grazier and agriculturist. The introduced fox is killing thousands of birds which feed largely upon ground vermin, while it appears to me the Starling is taking their place in the balance of nature. Still it is a problem for the future to decide- whether a war of suppression shall be waged against the Starling, and it behoves all who have the farming interests at heart to closely watch its ways. Remember the rabbit and the sparrow! The Ibis of our swamps and river-systems, and the little Blue Wren of the forest, are well equipped by nature to act in the capacity of feathered police for the protection of man's fields and fruit trees. A few years ago a large colony of Ibises, totalling perhaps 200,000 individuals, existed on a swamp in New South Wales. These birds were voracious eaters, and it has been calculated that this single colony accounted for 480 millons of grasshoppers daily. The Wren shows a distinct partiality for that destructive pest, the chafer beetle, of which each bird eats at least eighty per day, during the time, that the beetle is in greatest number. It is not generally known that many Honey-eaters play the role of useful birds: the Wattle-bird, particularly, wages continual war against the Cicada pest."

A Key To The Birds Of Australia And Tasmania With Their Geographical Distribution

Robert Hall

Second edition

1906

The original 110 page annotated checklist of 767 species with 7 additional pages of newly described species and subspecies covering 39 species. Each species entry has brief description and simple 9 area distribution code for each.

Illustrations added for this edition are black and white photographs of illustrations from John Gould's Birds Of Australia.

From the preface to the second edition:

"The text of this edition, based upon the British Museum classification, remains very much as originally printed, while attention is drawn to the lists of Additions and Alterations and to Species and Sub-Species Recently Described as New. The photographs are from John Gould's Birds of Australia, and I am indebted to my friend, Mr. F. Verrell Heath, for his assistance. The dimensions provided are approximate. I found it impossible to get at the authors' meanings of a few of the genera and species. My thanks for help are due to my friends Messrs. E. R. Pitt and W. J. Stephen. Professor T. G. Tucker, Litt. D., in the hours of a busy life, found time to place the accents upon the words and read the proof-sheets of derivations here supplied in general, to act as my adviser. This appeals to me as a contribution of much value, and my best thanks go very willingly to him."

A Monograph Of The Genus Casuarius

Walter Rosthchild

Plates: J.G. Keulemans

Transactions of the Zoological Society of London, Vol. XV, Part V

Zoological Society of London

1900

Opening lines: "The genus Casuarius is the typical genus of the group Casuarii of the Palaeognathae (Ratitae of former authors), and inhabits the Papuan subregion, i.e. New Guinea with the islands in Geelvink Bay, Salwatty, New Britain, the islands of the Aru group, Northern Queensland, and the island of Ceram in the Moluccas. The Cassowaries are evidently separable into a great many local forms, apart from the few very distinct good species; but owing to their large size, to the uncertainty about the localities of the living specimens that are brought to Europe, and to the disappearance after death of the most characteristic coloration and structure of the bare skin on the head and neck, our knowledge of the species is doubtless still limited. The material which I have been able to study is very large compared with that available in most Museums. For several years I have tried to procure a great number of living specimens and of skins as well, and I have been able to place numerous fresh bodies and skeletons before Mr. Pycraft, whose appended paper will, I trust, be of great value for the study of the anatomy of the Palaeognathae."