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This page lists bird books and other books that include some bird related content, that are published by CSIRO Publishing in Australia.

The books are arranged by publication date with the most recent at the top.

CSIRO Publishing currently operates as an editorially independent science publisher within the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). For more information and to order books see the CSIRO Publishing website.

CSIRO

CSIRO bird related books

Australian Nat. Hist. Series

Vanished and Vanishing Parrots: Profiling Extinct and Endangered Species

Joseph M. Forshaw

CSIRO

2017

"Joseph M. Forshaw, one of the world’s leading authorities on parrots, calls attention to the threats they face: they are one of the most endangered groups of birds, with a growing number of species nearing extinction. The main threats arise from habitat loss through deforestation and agricultural development and from the taking of birds for the international live-bird trade. Vanished and Vanishing Parrots brings together information on species that have become extinct in historical times with information on species that are in danger of becoming extinct to increase public awareness of the plight of these magnificent birds. Vivid colour plates by the wildlife artist Frank Knight draw attention to the spectacular species that we have lost or that could be lost. Forshaw’s work gives us fascinating insight into these endangered and extinct parrots."

Australasian Eagles and Eagle-Like Birds

Stephen Debus

2017

"An illustrated record of sea-eagles, harpy eagles, booted eagles and eagle-like hawks in Australasia.Eagles are awe-inspiring birds that have influenced much human endeavour. Australia is home to three eagle species, and in Melanesia there are four additional endemic species. A further three large Australian hawks are eagle-like. Eagles, being at the top of the food chain, are sensitive ecological barometers of human impact on the Earth's ecosystem services, and all of the six Australian species covered in this book are threatened in at least some states (one also nationally). Three of the four Melanesian tropical forest endemics are threatened or near-threatened.In Australasian Eagles and Eagle-like Birds, Dr Stephen Debus provides a 25-year update of knowledge on these 10 species as a supplement to the Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds (HANZAB) and recent global treatises, based partly on his own field studies. Included are the first nest or prey records for some Melanesian species. This book places the Australasian species in their regional and global context, reviews their population status and threats, provides new information on their ecology, and suggests what needs to be done in order to ensure the future of these magnificent birds."

The Australian Bird Guide

Peter Menkhorst, Danny Rogers, Rohan Clarke, Jeff Davies, Peter Marsack, Kim Franklin

2017

"Australia’s avifauna is large, diverse and spectacular, reflecting the continent’s impressive range of habitats and evolutionary history. With specially commissioned paintings of over 900 species, The Australian Bird Guide is the most comprehensive field guide to Australian birds ever seen. The guide features around 4700 colour illustrations, with particular emphasis on providing the fine detail required to identify difficult groups and distinctive plumages. Comprehensive species accounts have been written by a dedicated team of ornithologists to ensure identification details, distribution and status are current and accurate. The Australian Bird Guide sets a new standard in field guides, providing an indispensable reference for all birders and naturalists looking to explore Australia’s magnificent and unique birdlife."

Pigeons and Doves in Australia

Joseph M. Forshaw

CSIRO

2015

"From dense rainforests of north Queensland, where brilliantly plumaged Superb Fruit-Doves Ptilinopus superbusare heard more easily than seen, to cold, windswept heathlands of Tasmania, where Brush Bronzewings Phaps elegans are locally common, most regions of Australia are frequented by one or more species. For more than a century after arrival of the First Fleet, interest in these birds focused on the eating qualities of larger species. In addition to contributing to declines of local populations in some parts of Australia, excessive hunting brought about the extinction of two species on Lord Howe Island and another species on Norfolk Island. In Pigeons and Doves of Australia, Joseph Forshaw and William Cooper have summarised our current knowledge of all species, including those occurring on Christmas, Norfolk and Lord Howe Islands, and with superb artwork have given readers a visual appreciation of the birds in their natural habitats. Historical accounts of extinct species are also included. Detailed information on management practices for all species is presented, ensuring that Pigeons and Doves in Australia will become the standard reference work on these birds for ornithologists and aviculturists."

Bird Minds: Cognition and Behaviour of Australian Native Birds

Gisela Kaplan

2015

"In her comprehensive and carefully crafted book, Gisela Kaplan demonstrates how intelligent and emotional Australian birds can be. She describes complex behaviours such as grieving, deception, problem solving and the use of tools. Many Australian birds cooperate and defend each other, and exceptional ones go fishing by throwing breadcrumbs in the water, extract poisonous parts from prey and use tools to crack open eggshells and mussels. Kaplan brings together evidence of many such cognitive abilities, suggesting plausible reasons for their appearance in Australian birds. Bird Minds is the first attempt to shine a critical and scientific light on the cognitive behaviour of Australian land birds. In this fascinating volume, the author also presents recent changes in our understanding of the avian brain and links these to life histories and longevity."

Birds of the Darwin Region

Niven McCrie and Richard Noske

2015

"This book presents the first comprehensive treatment of the avifauna of Darwin, in Australia's Northern Territory. Darwin has retained all of its original habitats in near-pristine condition, and is home or host to 323 bird species. Following an introduction to the history of ornithology in the region and a detailed appraisal of its avifauna, species accounts describe the habitats, relative abundance, behaviour, ecology and breeding season of 258 regularly occurring species, and 65 species considered as vagrants to the region. Colour photographs, distribution maps and charts of the seasonality of each species are presented, based on a data-set comprising almost 120,000 records, one-third of which were contributed by the authors."

Finding Australian Birds: A Field Guide to Birding Locations

Tim Dolby and Rohan Clarke

2014

"From the eastern rainforests to central deserts, Australia is home to some 900 species of birds. This book covers over 400 Australian bird watching sites conveniently grouped into the best birding areas, from one end of the country to the other. This includes areas such as Kakadu in the Top End and rocky gorges in the central deserts of the Northern Territory, the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, rainforests distributed along the eastern Australian seaboard, some of the world's tallest forests in Tasmania, the Flinders Ranges and deserts along the iconic Strzelecki and Birdsville Tracks in South Australia, and the Mallee temperate woodlands and spectacular coastlines in both Victoria and south west Western Australia. Each chapter begins with a brief description of the location, followed by a section on where to find the birds, which describes specific birdwatching sites within the location's boundaries, and information on accommodation and facilities. The book also provides a comprehensive 'Bird Finding Guide', listing all of Australia's birds with details on their abundance and where exactly to see them."

Climate Change Adaptation Plan for Australian Birds

Editor: Stephen T. Garnett, Donald C. Franklin

2014

"This is the first climate change adaptation plan produced for a national faunal group anywhere in the world. It outlines the nature of threats related to climate change for the Australian bird taxa most likely to be affected by climate change, and provides recommendations on what might be done to assist them and an approximate cost of doing so. It also features an analysis of how climate change will affect all Australian birds, explains why some species are likely to be more exposed or sensitive to it than others, and explores the theory and practice of conservation management under the realities of a changing climate."

Australian High Country Raptors

Jerry Olsen

2014

"Australian High Country Raptors covers raptor species that regularly breed in the high country above 600 metres, from Goulburn in New South Wales down to the hills outside Melbourne, Victoria. Author Jerry Olsen explores the nature of these striking animals that are classified as Accipitriformes (hawks, falcons, kites and eagles), Falconiformes and Strigiformes (nocturnal owls). Comparisons between these high country raptors and lower-elevation breeders are also provided, in addition to comparisons with raptors found overseas, especially from North America and Europe. Australian High Country Raptors begins with a description of habitats and vegetation types in the high country, and which raptors are likely to be seen in each habitat type. It continues with sections on finding and watching raptors, raptor identification, hunting styles, food, breeding and behaviour, and conservation. Appendices provide species accounts for diurnal breeding species in the high country, with basic information about their ecology, distribution and conservation."

The World Of Birds

Jonathan Elphick

2014

"Explore the wonders of the avian world with this ultimate reference book. The World of Birds is a comprehensive guide to every aspect of bird life and a concise survey of the world’s orders and families. Highly respected ornithologist and wildlife expert, Jonathan Elphick, begins by defining the distinguishing features of birds before going on to describe their evolution since the age of the dinosaurs. With the aid of fact boxes and clear photographs, he then explores in greater detail each of the significant elements of bird life: bird biology including anatomy, walking and swimming, plumage, calls and songs; flight techniques and styles; food and feeding; bird lifestyles and social relationships; breeding, growth and development; bird geography and habitats; and the mysteries of migration. He also considers human attitudes towards birds through the ages. This beautiful volume has been published in a limited print-run partnership with the Natural History Museum, London and CSIRO Publishing."

Booderee National Park: The Jewel of Jervis Bay

David Lindenmayer, Christopher MacGregor, Nick Dexter and Martin Fortescue

CSIRO

2014

"Booderee National Park at Jervis Bay, 200 km south of Sydney, attracts over 450 000 visitors each year. The park has many special features, including dramatic wave cut platforms and sea caves, some of the whitest beach sands in Australia, and very high densities of native predators such as the Powerful Owl and the Diamond Python. Booderee National Park: The Jewel of Jervis Bay outlines the biology and ecology of Booderee National Park. Chapters are arranged around key ecological processes – predators and predation, herbivores and herbivory, invasive plants and fire – emphasising the interactions between species, between vegetation and animals, and between disturbances and animal and plant responses. Booderee National Park: The Jewel of Jervis Bay highlights how Booderee National Park is a functional natural ecosystem and, in turn, how management practices aim to improve environmental conditions and promote biodiversity conservation."

The Woodhen: A Flightless Island Bird Defying Extinction

Clifford Frith

2013

Includes a number of illustrations by D.M. Reid Henry that were originally published in Extinct and Vanishing Birds of the World, J.C. Greenway (1958)

"This book tells the fascinating success story of saving the flightless Woodhen of Lord Howe Island. This unique large rail, an iconic and highly endangered Australian bird, was at the very brink of extinction with just 15 individuals found in 1980, when bold and risky actions were taken to save it. The book begins with the discovery and ecology of Lord Howe Island. It then details the history of the Woodhen, its place among the rails and their evolution of flightlessness, the planning, implementation and trials, tribulations and successes of the captive breeding programme and the way in which the wild population recovered. The ecology, behaviour and breeding biology of this unique flightless island rail are also discussed. The text is accompanied by numerous photographs and drawings."

Australian Bird Names: A Complete Guide

Ian Fraser and Jeannie Gray

2013

"Australian Bird Names is aimed at anyone with an interest in birds, words, or the history of Australian biology and bird-watching. It discusses common and scientific names of every Australian bird, to tease out the meanings, which may be useful, useless or downright misleading! The authors examine every species: its often many-and-varied common names, its full scientific name, with derivation, translation and a guide to pronunciation. Stories behind the name are included, as well as relevant aspects of biology, conservation and history. Original descriptions, translated by the authors, have been sourced for many species."

Penguins: Their World, Their Ways

Tui de Roy, Mark Jones, Julie Cornthwaite

2013

"Many of the extraordinary facets of penguin life are only just being revealed. This book is the first to comprehensively cover all of the 18 penguin species in an engaging blend of accessible writing, the latest scientific research and over 400 breathtaking photographs"

Living Waters: Ecology of Animals in Swamps, Rivers, Lakes and Dams

Nick Romanowski

2013

"Wetlands are often seen as the ultimate symbol of beauty and tranquillity, their clear waters sheltering mysterious animals in a world where change is gentle and slow, from dragonflies skimming above their own reflections to the fishes glimpsed briefly below. Yet Australian wetlands are among the most varied and changeable habitats found anywhere, and the many creatures that live out their lives in and around water are superbly adapted to some of the most unpredictable ecosystems in the world. This book follows the diverse common themes and patterns that link inland waters from Tasmania to the tropics. It shows how cycles of change, the ways that different wetland animals travel through and between wetlands, and the interactions of the animals themselves create an ever-changing ecological kaleidoscope. Drawing on what is known of the biology, ecology and even the genetics of many of the most abundant, widespread and successful groups of animals, the author shows similarities to wetlands in other parts of the world, as well as some of the more extreme environments and specialised animals that are unique to this continent. Far more than a natural history, Living Waters explains the underlying forces that drive ecological change and movement in Australian wetlands, from the particular needs and habits of some specialised waterbirds to swarms of dragonflies and damselflies that may flourish for a few months before disappearing for years, and fishes found gasping in drying pools far from the nearest permanent water just hours after a desert deluge."

Birds of Prey of Australia: Field Guide

Stephen Debus

2nd edition

2012

"Birds of Prey of Australia is an illustrated field guide to diurnal raptors, a bird group that many people find among the most difficult birds to identify. Raptors are popular and iconic birds, and important ecologically as well as in legislation, with some species listed as threatened. Birds of Prey of Australia will enable people to more easily identify them. It also provides a brief overview of the biology of raptors and an indication of the current state of knowledge on them. Birds of Prey of Australia has been completely revised and updated, with 15 years of new data, a section on difficult species-pairs (split-images providing direct contrast), and rearranged in modern field-guide format, making it easy to use and enabling rapid identification of 'difficult' raptors."

Grassfinches in Australia

Joseph M Forshaw and Mark Shephard

2012

"After a lapse of almost half a century since publication of Klaus Immelmann's eminent work on finches, based on extensive field studies, the time has come for a new examination of Australian grassfinches. In Grassfinches in Australia, Joseph Forshaw, Mark Shephard and Anthony Pridham have summarised our present knowledge of each species, and have given readers a visual appreciation of the birds in their natural habitats and in aviculture. The resulting combination of superb artwork and scientifically accurate text ensures that this volume will become the standard reference work on Australian grassfinches. In addition to enabling aviculturists to know more about these finches in the wild as a guide to their own husbandry techniques, detailed information on current management practices for all species in captivity is provided. The book also includes colour plates depicting some of the more common mutations held in Australian and overseas collections."

Complete Guide to Finding the Birds of Australia

Richard Thomas, Sarah Thomas, David Andrew and Alan McBride

2nd edition

2011

"First published in 1994, The Complete Guide to Finding the Birds of Australia was the first ever book of its type in Australia – a complete guide to locating every resident bird species in Australia, plus supplementary information on where to find rarities, migratory species and logistical information. This fully revised second edition expands on the best-selling appeal of the first, describing the best-known sites for all of Australia's endemic birds, plus vagrants and regular migrants such as seabirds and shorebirds. It covers all states and territories, and is the first guide to include all of Australia's island and external territories. A comprehensive Bird Finder Guide details site information on all Australian bird species, and the authors provide valuable travel advice, including transport, climate and accommodation. Profusely illustrated with colour photographs of interesting, unique or unusual Australian birds, this book is a must-have for all birdwatchers living in Australia or visiting from overseas."

Stray Feathers: Reflections on the Structure, Behaviour and Evolution of Birds

Penny Olsen and Leo Joseph

2011

"Stray Feathers showcases some of the remarkable adaptations of Australian birds. A brief introduction describes how evolution shapes form and function, followed by a series of vignettes illustrating the wondrous variety of forms and functions shaped by evolution. For example, did you know that Barn Owls can hunt in absolute darkness and that cuckoos commence incubation before their egg is laid? Sections include anatomy and physiology; the senses; giving voice; tongues talking; plumage; getting around; finding and handling food; optimising foraging and feeding; reducing competition; using ‘tools'; communicating; quality vs quantity; courtship; nests; parental care; chicks; and living together."

Australian High Country Owls

Jerry Olsen

2011

"Australian High Country Owls provides the latest scientific information on Australian owl species, especially Ninox owls. It details studies of Southern Boobooks and Powerful Owls, visits to North America and Europe to learn about owl research, and the resulting publications that overturned some existing beliefs about Australian owls. Ultimately, this led to the discovery of a new owl species in Indonesia, the Little Sumba Hawk-Owl. Appendices cover the biology, conservation and rehabilitation of Australian owls, including: field recognition, subspecies taxonomy, habitat, behaviour, food, range, migration, breeding, voice and calls, status and myths, questions about each species, and techniques for caring for injured and orphaned owls. The book includes numerous photographs of different owl species, and will be a handy reference for bird researchers and amateur bird watchers alike."

A Bush Capital Year: A Natural History of the Canberra Region

Ian Fraser & Peter Marsack

2011

"A Bush Capital Year" introduces the fauna, flora, habitats and reserves of the Australian Capital Territory and includes the most recent research available. It also emphasises often unappreciated or even unrecognised urban wildlife. For each month of the year there are 10 stories which discuss either a species or a group of species, such as mosses and mountain grasshoppers. While never anthropomorphic, many of the stories are written from the organism's point of view, while others are from that of an observer. Beautiful paintings complement the text and allow better visualisation of the stories and the subjects."

Capturing the Essence: Techniques for Bird Artists

William T. Cooper

2011

"Capturing the Essence is a step-by-step personal guide – by one of Australia's greatest living bird artists – to observing, retaining the essential information and then painting birds from field notes and sketches, photographs and other field observations. The author takes the reader through the processes involved in oil painting, watercolour and acrylic techniques, and a piece of art is built up in stages to demonstrate the skills required in each of these media. While the book covers some of the general basics relevant to various kinds of painting of natural history subjects, the concentration is very much on birds. Painting or drawing any subject well, gives great satisfaction. In this book the author hopes to help the reader become competent at drawing and painting birds, or at least to enjoy trying!"

Invisible Connections: Why Migrating Shorebirds Need the Yellow Sea

Danny Rogers, Phil Battley, Brian MacCaffery, Nial Moores and Jan Lewis

2010

"Shorebird migration is one of nature's most spectacular phenomena, creating surprising and hitherto poorly understood links between countries, habitats and people. Jan van de Kam's beautiful images, together with the compelling words of his colleagues, illustrate the magnitude of the feats performed by migrating shorebirds and the vital need for the connections that bind them to habitats to be sustained. This book invites you to discover the risks inherent in a shorebird's migratory lifestyle and the additional challenges created by expanding human populations. It reveals the crucial role that the shoreline of the Yellow Sea plays in shorebird migration and highlights the need for this unique and threatened habitat to be saved for future generations of birds and people."

Boom and Bust: Bird Stories for a Dry Country

Libby Robin, Rob Heinshohn and Leo Joseph

2009

"In Boom and Bust, the authors draw on the natural history of Australia's charismatic birds to explore the relations between fauna, people and environment. They consider changing ideas about deserts and how these have helped to understand birds and their behaviour in this driest of continents. The book describes the responses of animals and plants to environmental variability and stress. It is also a cultural concept, capturing the patterns of change wrought by humans in Australia, where landscapes began to become cultural about 55,000 years ago as ecosystems responded to Aboriginal management. In 1788, the British settlement brought, almost simultaneously, both agricultural and industrial revolutions to a land previously managed by fire for hunting. How have birds responded to this second dramatic invasion?"Boom and Bust" is also a tool for understanding global change."

Systematics and Taxonomy of Australian Birds

Les Christidis and Walter E. Boles

2008

"Systematics and Taxonomy of Australian Birds lists all those species of birds that have been recorded from the Australian mainland, Tasmania, island territories and surrounding waters. Based on the authors original book, The Taxonomy and Species of Birds of Australia and its Territories, it includes any new species for which records have been accepted by the Records Appraisal Committee of Birds Australia. It also includes all extant and recently extinct (post-1800) native species, as well as new species, accepted vagrants and introduced species that have become established and continue to survive in the wild.The book provides brief explanations for taxonomic changes in the literature and for those adopted within it, including the citations for such work. Its geographical coverage includes Christmas Island, Cocos-Keeling Islands, Heard Island, Lord Howe Island, Macquarie Island, Norfolk Island and the islands of Torres Strait, and also Ashmore Reef, owing to the number of vagrant species that have recently been reported from there. It also includes vagrants from the Australian Antarctic Territory that have not been recorded elsewhere in Australia or its territories; incorporates extensive systematic and taxonomic changes since 1994; and, includes recently extinct native species as well as established introduced species."

Life in the Cape York Rainforest

Robert Heinsohn and Michael Cermak

2008

"The remote, beautiful and poorly known rainforests of Cape York Peninsula tell a special story about Australia's historic and present-day connections to New Guinea. This book highlights the connections by examining the fascinating biology of some of the most spectacular birds and other animals shared between the two regions.The author recounts his own ground-breaking research on 'cross-dressing' eclectus parrots, musical palm cockatoos and multi-coloured pythons, together with the exotic lifestyles of other animals, while painting the bigger picture of the past when Australia and New Guinea were joined by extensive landbridges.Australia's disconnection from New Guinea is probably only temporary, and even today many bird species continue to fly the short distance between the two landmasses."

Shorebirds of Australia

Andrew Geering, Lindsay Agnew and Sandra Harding

2007

"Shorebirds of Australia brings together the latest information about the evolutionary history, taxonomy, migration and breeding and feeding ecology of shorebirds found in Australia. Complete with colour photographs and up-to-date distribution maps, it provides descriptions and tips to assist with the identification of all species of shorebird in Australia, which comprise about 10 per cent of Australia's total avifauna. In addition to information about their habitats, their most significant threats are mentioned, as well as actions in place to help conserve these birds. The book is a valuable reference for a broad range of people, from the amateur birdwatcher and field naturalist to professional ornithologists and land managers entrusted with the responsibility of managing Australia's natural resources, especially its wetlands and coastal regions."

Spirit of the Wedge-Tailed Eagle: The Art of Humphrey Price-Jones

CSIRO

2007

90 pages with colour and b/w illustrations including reproductions of 30 colour paintings.

Wildlife and Wilderness in the Waterfall Country

Roger Fryer

2007

"Within easy reach of Sydney and Brisbane, the Waterfall Country has spectacular scenery and is of great importance for wildlife. Comprising a wide variety of habitats, soil types and climate, the region is home to a diverse range of wildlife, many uncommon or endangered, and offers visitors excellent bushwalking, kayaking and other activities. This book is a practical guide to experiencing the best of the Waterfall Country, detailing wilderness walks and activities, and offering first-hand accounts from those living and working in the region. Containing useful information on how to safely explore the region, it covers what to wear, what to take with you, what to do if you get lost, and how to deal with minor injuries and snakebite. Illustrated throughout with stunning colour photographs."

CSIRO List of Australian Vertebrates: A Reference with Conservation Status

Mark Clayton, John C. Wombey, Ian J. Mason, R. Terry Chesser, Alice Wells

2006

"This completely updated edition gives the latest listings on conservation status for all known Australian amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. It indicates each species' status on a state-by-state basis and also gives details for subspecies. Additionally, it provides a 'one-stop-shop' listing of the correct species names for all Australian vertebrates. It will be an indispensable reference tool and guide for all persons working with and publishing on Australia's vertebrate fauna, particularly those dealing in legal matters and environmental inventory and management programs."

Melbourne's Wildlife: A Field Guide to Fauna of Greater Melbourne

Museum Victoria

2006

"The bushland, parks, gardens and waters of Greater Melbourne support an amazing diversity of animals, including many rare and endangered species. From albatrosses and antechinuses to wombats and worms, the number of species is remarkable. Melbourne's Wildlife contains stunning colour photographs of over 700 animals, with descriptions of each species, information about behaviour and habitat, distribution maps, and informative and thought-provoking essays about the wildlife in our wonderful city."

Wildlife of the Box-Ironbark Country: A Guide to Victoria's Goldfields Region

Chris Tzaros

2005

"The forests and woodlands of Victoria's Box-Ironbark Region are one of the most important areas of animal diversity and significance in southern Australia. They provide critical habitat for a diverse array of woodland-dependent animals, including many threatened species such as the Squirrel Glider, Brush-tailed Phascogale, Regent Honeyeater, Swift Parrot, Pink-tailed Worm-lizard and the Woodland Blind Snake. Wildlife of the Box-Ironbark Country gives a comprehensive overview of the ecology of the box-ironbark habitats and their wildlife. It covers all of the mammals, birds, reptiles and frogs that occur in the region, with a brief description of their distribution, status and ecology, together with a distribution map and superb colour photograph for each species. The book includes a 'Where to Watch' section, featuring a selection of national parks, state parks and nature conservation reserves as places where people can experience the ecosystem and its wildlife for themselves."

Herons, Egrets and Bitterns: Their Biology and Conservation in Australia

Neil McKilligan

2005

An account of the origins, classification and biology of the Herons, Egrets and Bitterns of Australia. Each of the 14 Australian species is describe with information including their distribution and movements, feeding, breeding, population dynamics and conservation.

Ecology and Conservation of Owls

Editors: Ian Newton, Rodney Kavanagh, Jerry Olsen and Iain Taylor

2002

Co-edited by Ian Newton and includes the papers Population Limitation In Holarctic Owls by Ian Newton and Rodenticides in British Barn Owls by Ian Wyllie and Ian Newton.

"The chapters in this book derive from papers presented at a five-day conference devoted to the study of owls, which was held at the Australian National University, Canberra, in January 2000. The conference was the third in a series of international meetings on owls. It provided an opportunity for the presentation of new findings, for northern and southern hemisphere owl researchers to meet and discuss issues of mutual concern, and also for northern biologists to see some of the markedly distinctive species of the region."

The Flight of the Emu: A Hundred Years of Australian Ornithology 1901-2001

Libby Robin

2001

"The Flight of the Emu tells the story of Australian birding in the twentieth century. The Emu is the journal of the former Royal Australasian Ornithologists' Union, now known as Birds Australia. In this engrossing book, Libby Robin describes the achievements and the increasing importance of ornithology in Australia–both amateur and professional–over the past hundred years. From Bass Strait to the Kimberley, collectors have searched for and identified hundreds of species of Australian birds. This is a discipline in which exceptional amateur contributions have helped to shape science. Libby Robin explores the tensions between amateur and professional ornithologists, and discusses issues of conservation and environmental management, scientific collecting, smuggling and bird protection. She tells stories from campouts, expeditions and congresses derived from oral history, letters and ‘reading between the lines' of published reports. The search for the Night Parrot, the protection of the Lyrebird, the identification of the Noisy Scrub-bird, have all involved enthusiastic bird lovers as well as scientists. Ornithological research takes place in museums, universities, government agencies, community groups and the CSIRO. Bird-banding has introduced many people to the passion of ornithology, as well as providing a method of valuable data-collection about birds. The Flight of the Emu also details international scientific expeditions and the influences of Australian birds on international debates."

Feather and Brush: 300 Years of Australian Bird Art

Penny Olsen

2001

"This volume traces the 300-year history of bird art in Australia, from the crudely illustrated records of the earliest European voyages of discovery to the diversity of artwork available at the start of the 21st century. It is a history inseparable from the development of Australian ornithology. Against a background of establishment of the country itself, naval draftsmen, convicts, officers, settlers, naturalists, artists and scientists alike contributed both to the art and to science. Driven by the excitement of discovery and description of new and exotic birds, the illustration of Australian birds flourished in the late 18th and 19th centuries, then fell into neglect. In recent decades, increasing interest in the environment has led to a revitalization of the art. A wealth of contemporary Australian artists has tuned their attention to birds and never before has wildlife illustration been so varied and accessible. There are over 250 images representing 94 artists in the book. Some are well-known, others are published for the first time. All have been selected for their merit, be it ornithological, historical or artistic. The book links the greats of yesterday - including Ferdinand Bauer, Edward Lear, George Raper, John Lewin, the Goulds and the mysterious Port Jackson Painter - with some of the finest wildlife artists working in Australia today, many with an intimate knowledge of the birds in the field."

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."

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."

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."

Finding Birds in Australia's Northern Territory

D. Donato, P. Wilkins, G. Smith and L. Alford

1997

"Birds are a prominent feature of the Northern Territory environment, with almost half of Australia's bird species found there in landscapes ranging from deserts to tropics. This is a guide to the Northern Territory's best birdwatching areas. It is designed to be used in conjunction with one of the Australian field identification guides. The book has four main sections: habitats; areas; special birds; and a checklist. The text does not discuss every bird likely to be found in every area, instead it points out interesting species found at each site. In addition, the guide provides information on access, accommodation and camping in the area. It contains detailed information on 69 of the Territory's rare, endemic and other special birds and gives scientific and common names for Australian birds."

The Food of Australian Birds 1. Non-Passerines

R.D. Barker and W.J.M. Vestjens

1990

"This book lists the stomach contents of Australian non-passerine birds collected by the CSIRO Wildlife and Ecology from 1963 to 1980."

The Food of Australian Birds 2. Passerines

R.D. Barker and W.J.M. Vestjens

1990

"This book lists the stomach contents of Australian songbirds collected by the CSIRO Wildlife and Ecology from 1963 to 1980."