On this page

2000 to present

The guides and handbooks on this page were published between 2000 and the present and cover the birds of Great Britain and often the wider European or Western Palearctic region. The most recent books are at the top of the page.

- h/books & guides: 2000-2013
- h/books & guides: 1950-1999
- h/books & guides: 1900-1949
- h/books & guides: 1850-1899
- h/books & guides: 1800-1849
- h/books & guides: 1700-1799

See also books about:
- bird song identification
- garden bird identification

- Channel Islands
- England
- Isle of Man
- N. Ireland
- Scotland
- Wales

Pages for specific counties and regions can be accessed via these pages.

RSPB Pocket Birds Of Britain and Europe

Rob Hume et al

4th edition

2017

"From the Sandwich Tern to the Short-toed Eagle, discover over 300 species of bird found in the UK and Europe with RSPB Pocket Birds. Crystal clear photographs bring the birds on the page to life, and notes on distinguishing features will help you identify different species of bird in the field. Learn all about them from their calls and feeding behaviour, nesting habits and habitats, and differences in plumage. This brand new edition includes a web link where you can hear common bird songs and calls to make identification even easier. Maps showing regions where each species can be found at what time of year will help you find the birds you are most interested in. This handy book is perfectly portable, making RSPB Pocket Birds the perfect companion for taking out in the field."

Identification of European Non-Passerines

Jeff Baker

BTO

2016

"This major guide improves on the original by now comprehensively covering 155 species, with descriptions of ageing and sexing methods, moult, biometrics and racial differences. It complements Lars Svensson's Identification Guide to European Passerines, and is an invaluable reference for Bird Ringers, keen birders and feather enthusiasts, alike."

Collins Life-Size Birds

Paul Sterry, Rob Read

2016

"The book is unique because for every species entry at least one image shows the bird in question, or the head and bill in the case of large species, depicted life size. The photographs used throughout the book have been chosen carefully to show not only important identification features but also to depict a bird’s typical posture, be that perched, standing, swimming or in flight. As many plumage variations as possible have been included. Annotations highlight key identification features that are discussed in the text. For each species the main text contains descriptions of plumage and structural features that are useful for identification, plus further information about habits and behaviour. In addition, a ‘fact file’ section covers key details for each species: Common name; Scientific name; Length (an average, measured from bill tip to the end of the tail; Wingspan (an average, measured from wingtip to wingtip); Habitat (or habitats, if these differ seasonally); Food; Status; and Voice."

Britain's Birds: An Identification Guide to the Birds of Britain and Ireland

Rob Hume, Robert Still, Andy Swash, Hugh Harrop, David Tipling

Princeton University Press

2016

"Britain's Birds will be enjoyed, valued and constantly referred to by all bird watchers—whether beginner, experienced or professional. This is the most comprehensive, up-to-date and practical bird book of modern times, featuring an unrivalled selection of photographs that show all the plumages you are likely to see. Focusing on identification, and containing maps, facts and figures on numbers and distributions, this breakthrough publication was devised by a team of lifelong birdwatchers, all with many years' experience of showing people birds and producing user-friendly field guides. Main features: comprehensive coverage of every bird recorded in Britain and Ireland; the only photographic guide to show all plumages likely to be encountered; more than 3,200 superb colour photographs carefully selected to show key identification features; many photographs of individual rare birds identified in Britain and Ireland; simple steps to help you find and identify any bird you see pages designed to allow easy and accurate comparison; latest information on status, population, distribution and conservation designations; and distribution maps featuring summer, winter and resident ranges, plus details of migration routes to and from Britain and Ireland."

Field Guide to the Birds of Britain and Ireland

Mark Golley

Bloomsbury Publishing

2016

"Stunningly illustrated and simple to use, this brand new, fully updated, edition of a practical and informative guide is a must for any birdwatchers pocket. Whether observing what is feeding, nesting or bathing in your garden, or further afield, or trying to identify a bird on the wing, this book is perfect for use at home, out in the car or in the field. Arranged in taxonomic species order, it is ideal for both the beginner and the more experienced birdwatcher. The comprehensive and informative jargon-free text is written by birdwatching expert Mark Golley. This book is packed with identification tips, details of habitat and calls for over 280 bird species, and includes all those seen regularly in Britain and Ireland, as well as some of the less common migrants. It is illustrated throughout with more than 1,000 spectacular, full-colour illustrations by leading bird artist David Daly."

Green Guide to Birds of Britain and Europe

Jim Flegg

Bloomsbury Publishing

2016

Note that this is a reprint of the guide originally published by New Hollnd in 2001.

"With their diversity of form, colour, behaviour and song, birds are an endless source of fascination, but telling apart the different thrushes, finches, wagtails, warblers, tits and terns often stumps novices. The Green Guide to Birds makes identifying them easy for beginners and amateur naturalists alike. · Beautiful colour illustrations of the 150 species most common in Britain and Europe · Detailed description of plumage, behaviour, calls, songs and habitat to aid identification · Includes a comprehensive introduction with information on practical birdwatching and conservation, as well as a photo gallery new to this edition."

Collins BTO Guide to British Birds

Paul Sterry, Paul Stancliffe

2015

"This unique new identification guide features all of the birds that have occurred five or more times in Britain and Ireland, including all species that breed regularly in the region, plus those that winter here, or occur as common passage migrants. The book has been written and illustrated as much with the beginner in mind as the experienced birdwatcher. Designed to be used in the field, the text and photographs describe and illustrate the key features needed to identify a species with confidence, and to separate it from similar, or ‘confusion’, species. As a general rule, the species accounts follow the taxonomic running order provided by the British Ornithologist’s Union (BOU). But for the benefit of the reader, in some instances the running order has been juggled subtly so that potentially confusing species are placed side by side. Throughout the book there are special pages that describe the key features needed for separating different families, and groups of birds that share the same habitat. More than 1,200 photographs are featured and many are seen here for the first time. They have been chosen carefully to show not only important identification features but also to give clues to the usual habitat favoured by the bird, and its typical posture. Annotations highlight key identification features that are discussed in the text. Song and call are useful aids to identification, and reference is made to vocalisation for each species. The average size of each bird is included; in most species this is the length, measured from the tip of the bill to the tip of the tail, but in birds that are seen most frequently in flight (such as raptors), the given measurement is wingspan. Relative abundance maps are shown for every species. The darker shading shows where a species is most abundant, and the lighter shades where it is less so. These are based on the very latest information contained within the BTO’s Bird Atlas 2007–11."

Collins BTO Guide to Rare British Birds

Paul Sterry, Paul Stancliffe

2015

"This book is the companion volume to the Collins BTO Guide to British Birds. It covers all the rare and scarce birds that have occurred in Britain and Ireland four times or more, as of February 2015. ‘The Rarest of the Rare’ section lists all the species that have occurred fewer than four times; taken in combination, this means that every species of wild bird that has ever occurred in Britain is mentioned. Species descriptions comprise the bulk of the book, and the text and photographs describe and illustrate the key features needed to identify these birds with confidence. Confusion species are included, as are vocalisation details for species whose identification it aids. The photographs have been chosen carefully to show key features that are described in the accompanying text; they also give clues to the usual habitat favoured by the bird and its typical posture. Many of the photographs are seen here for the first time. ‘ID Key Feature’ pages provide a quick guide to a group of species or families; they describe the structural and behavioural features that an observer should concentrate on initially when they come across an unfamiliar bird. Where relevant, these feature pages also highlight identification pitfalls."

Challenge Series: Winter

Martin Garner

Birding Frontiers

2015

The second in a series of books that focus on challenging areas of bird identification.

"Over 40 taxa are covered in 15 Chapters, cram-jammed with information, some of it ‘hot off the presses’. Most especially, we have worked hard to make it simple to follow by using inspiring narratives, key ID points and high quality artwork and photography. Three broad themes: 1 a desire to dig further into locally occurring birds which are clearly being overlooked; 2 those tricky ID challenges; 3 potential new ‘species’.

A Naturalist's Guide to the Birds of Britain and Northern Europe

Peter Goodfellow and Paul Sterry

John Beaufoy Publishing

2015

"An entry-level photographic identification guide to the commoner birds of Britain and Northern Europe. It features 280 species that the amateur naturalist might expect to see in the field or garden. It also covers geography, climate, habits, taxonomy and nomenclature, bird topography, and the best places to watch birds in a way that doesn't assume prior knowledge of the subject. It includes a list of useful addresses and contacts. Protective plastic dust cover for durability in the field."

Concise Coastal Bird Guide

Birding Frontiers

2015

"This beautifully illustrated mini field guide is packed with information on the coastal birds of Britain and the near Continent. It covers more than 170 species, which are illustrated with superb full-colour artworks that show - where relevant - variations in plumage, for example for male, female and juvenile birds, and breeding and non-breeding birds. A concise written account covering size, description, voice, habitat, distribution and habits appears on the same page."

Identifying Common British Birds

David Chandler, Russ Malin, Dominic Couzens, Stephen Moss

Flame Tree Publishing

2015

The comprehensive, handy guide to British birds. Discover a wealth of information about the appearance, behaviour and habitats of British birds, as well as practical advice on birdwatching and how to go about it, featuring tips and advice on necessary equipment, identifying features and how to attract birds into your garden. The clear text and beautiful colour photography will quickly help you identify anything from a Goldcrest to a Guillemot.

The Helm Guide to Bird Identification: An In-Depth Look at Confusion Species

Keith Vinicombe

Christopher Helm

2014

"This book covers difficult identification issues by looking at tricky species pairs or groups of birds, and comparing and contrasting their respective features. Designed as a field companion, it supplements the standard field guides and provides much additional information. As well as detailed texts, the books include extensive illustrations of all relevant ages and plumages of the species concerned."

Guide to Summer Coastal Birds

Rebecca Farley-Brown

Occasional Publication Volume 161

Field Studies Council

2014

"From cormorants to kittiwakes, and guillemots to gulls, this 8-panel laminated fold-out chart features 28 of the birds you can see around the coastline of the UK in the summer. Included are both cliff-nesting birds, like gannet and razorbill, and wading birds, such as oystercatcher and avocet, as well as all the common seagulls. Birds are shown in their adult summer (breeding) plumage."

Challenge Series: Autumn

Martin Garner

Birding Frontiers

2014

"Over 40 taxa are covered in 18 chapters ranging from Hen and Northern Harriers, Wilson's and Common Snipe, Pallid and Common Swift, and Siberian and Common Chiffchaff, to potential vagrants like Sharp-shinned Hawk and Yellow-streaked Warbler. There are the new splits such as Cabot's and Sandwich Tern, three Subalpine Warblers, three Lesser Whitethroats and three Stonechat taxa. Each ID challenge is presented in a concise and accessible form with accompanying photos, illustrations, and sonograms where appropriate. An introductory section explain the genesis and concept of this series of books. The idea is to produce a series of books at the cutting edge of identification discoveries. Some of the material is new and relatively untested. A challenge is laid down to readers. Go out and test these ideas. Watch birds closely and more carefully and make your own discoveries."

Tweet of the Day: A Year of Britain's Birds from the Acclaimed Radio 4 Series

Brett Westwood and Stephen Moss

Saltyard Books

2014

"Based on the scripts of BBC Radio 4's beloved year-long series, and distilling two lifetimes' knowledge, insight and enthusiasm into these pages, Brett Westwood and Stephen Moss take you month by month through the year, and the changing lives of our favourite birds. From peregrines swapping sea-cliffs for skyscrapers to swifts spending almost their entire lives on the wing; from charms of goldfinches to murmurations of starlings; from ptarmigans thriving in the Highland snow to the bright green parakeets thronging London's parks; this book is packed full of extraordinary insights and memorable facts."

RSPB Birds of Britain and Europe

Rob Hume

4th edition

2014

This is a paperback edition of the 2013 RSPB Complete Birds of Britain and Europe

"RSPB Birds of Britain and Europe is a stunning, illustrated guide to Europe's bird species. It describes and illustrates bird characteristics and beautiful full colour photographs reveal individual species such as finches, martins and swallows with unrivalled clarity. RSPB Birds of Britain and Europe captures the beauty of birds, showing them in their varying plumage, making identification quick and effortless. 500 regularly seen species are featured with illustrations and up-to-date maps highlighting resident and migratory distributions so you know what species to expect and when, plus a CD with the sounds of 99 key bird species is included. Covering the characteristics of anatomy, life cycle, and behaviour, and providing a survey of the habitats in which birds live, RSPB Birds of Britain and Europe is an essential reference for the novice twitcher or the long-time birder."

RSPB Handbook of British Birds

Peter Holden and Tim Cleeves

4th edition

2014

"This is a revised and updated fourth edition of the bestselling RSPB Handbook of British Birds. This unique guide provides a 'biography' of each of the 280 commonest British bird species. It covers all aspects of field identification, using illustrations from the highly acclaimed Handbook of Bird Identification to show all common plumage forms. The text also covers behaviour, breeding biology, population, status, longevity and any other interesting facts about the species concerned. A detailed distribution map is provided for each species. The rarities section, featuring 26 additional species, has been updated and features two species new to this edition. Six comparison artwork spreads are included to help identify difficult to identify species - such as ducks, waders, warblers, raptors and gulls - alongside one another."

Birds: ID Insights: Identifying the more difficult birds of Britain

Dominic Couzens

Bloomsbury

This is a repackaged version of the book of the same title published by New Holland in 2013

2014

"Birds: ID Insights is ideal for birders of all levels. Its unique layout, comparing the plumages of similar pairs and groups of species, makes it ideal for getting to grips with the more trick-to-identify birds found in Britain and the rest of Europe. And its handy pocket size is practical for taking out into the field. It is based on a long-running series of identification features in Bird Watching magazine."

Bloomsbury Concise Bird Guide

2014

This is a reprint of the New Holland Concise Bird Guide which was published in 2010

"This beautifully illustrated mini field guide is packed with information on the birds of Britain and the near Continent. It covers more than 250 species, which are illustrated with superb full-colour artworks that show - where relevant - variations in plumage, for example for male, female and juvenile birds, and breeding and non-breeding birds. A concise written account covering size, description, voice, habitat, distribution and habits appears on the same page."

The Birdwatcher's Pocket Guide to Britain and Europe

Peter Hayman and Rob Hume

2014

"The Birdwatcher's Pocket Guide is the perfect portable reference for birdwatcher's of all levels. You will not find a more compact and comprehensive guide to the birds that live in or reguarly visit Britain and the rest of Europe. Some 430 species are covered and there are at least six illustrations of each one. Peter Hayman's unique painting style brings the birds to life. The well-researched text tells you everything you need to know to be able to identify different species correctly. Symbols show at a glance in which habitats each bird can be found and at what time of year each is present - both essential factors for correct identification. Differentiating between one species and another could never be made simpler."

The Crossley ID Guide: Britain and Ireland

Richard Crossley, Dominic Couzens

2013

"This guide is a celebration of the beauty of birds and the British and Irish countryside. Aimed at beginner and intermediate birders, yet suitable for all levels, this new volume in the groundbreaking Crossley ID Guide series is the most user-friendly guide to the birds of Britain and Ireland. Following The Crossley ID Guides' award-winning design, this book looks at all regularly occurring species in Britain and Ireland, and shows readers how to identify birds in their natural habitats using size, structure, shape, probability, and behavior - just like the experts do! Stunning images are accompanied by the colorful and compelling text of Dominic Couzens, one of Britain's leading nature writers. This unique book treats more than 300 species - all the regularly occurring birds likely to be encountered by observers - and the guide's attractive pages provide a real-life approach to bird identification. Beautiful, in-focus scenes present birds in various plumages and in lifelike poses set in identifiable British and Irish habitats. The plates also illustrate how a bird's appearance changes with distance. Organizing images in cohesive, easy-to-understand plates rather than as separate photographs, this book also sets itself apart by containing more images that demonstrate flight, behavior, habitat, and plumages than any other volume available. Not only is this field guide a reference book, it is also a spectacular teaching resource that makes it easy for nature enthusiasts to see and appreciate the big picture of bird identification."

Birds: ID Insights: Identifying the more difficult birds of Britain and north-west Europe

Dominic Couzens

New Holland

2013

"The perfect field guide for any birder. Its unique layout, comparing the plumages of similar pairs and groups of species, makes it ideal for getting to grips with the more trick-to-identify birds found in Britain and the rest of Europe. And its handy pocket size is practical for taking out into the field. It is based on a long-running series of identification features in Bird Watching magazine. Author Dominic Couzens and artist David Nurney have spent years compiling the field notes and artworks for Birds: ID Insights, and here their efforts are drawn together and made complete in a single volume which is easy to carry in the field and practical for birders to use."

RSPB Complete Birds of Britain and Europe

Rob Hume

2013

A paperback edition of this book was published in 2014 as RSPB Birds of Britain and Europe

"The ultimate photographic guide to every species of bird in Britain and Europe. Whether you're an armchair addict, or a long-time twitcher, RSPB Complete Birds of Britain and Europe is an essential reference to the 800 bird species found throughout Britain and Europe. Comes with a 70-minute CD of birdsong and calls so you can listen to many of the birds featured in this beautiful guide. See birds in their natural habitat and learn about characteristic behaviour with stunning photos showing adults in typical plumage, with male, female, juvenile and summer or winter variations to help you identify birds in the field quickly and easily. Explore up-to-date, colour-coded maps highlighting resident and migratory distributions so you know which species of birds to expect when you are out and about. Plus, this comprehensive reference book describes the characteristics of bird anatomy, reproduction, flight, song, and other forms of behaviour, ensuring you'll become an expert birdwatcher in no time."

RSPB Pocket Guide To British Birds

Simon Harrap

Second edition

2012

"This brand new edition of the best-selling field guide from the RSPB is compact, informative and beautifully illustrated, and features 215 of the most common birds found in Britain."

Guide to British Birds of Prey

Simon Norman

Occasional Publication Volume 143

Field Studies Council

2012

"Produced in conjunction with the Hawk and Owl Trust, this chart will help you to identify birds of prey in flight in the UK. Colour images of perched and flying birds show all 15 of the species of day-flying birds of prey which breed in the UK. Information on the habitat and range, size, status and flight pattern of each species is given in the text. To help confirm your identification, we have included particular hints for each species as well as highlighting the main areas of confusion."

RSPB What's That Bird?: The Simplest ID Guide Ever

Rob Hume

2012

"RSPB What's That Bird? is ideal if you struggle to tell a swift from a swallow. It's the perfect pocket guide for beginners but also a handy reference for the more seasoned bird-watcher. Featuring over 150 common European birds, habitat overviews show you what to look for where and commonly confused birds are shown side by side for quick comparison and identification."

RSPB Pocket Birds Of Britain and Europe

Jonathan Elphick, John Woodward

3rd edition

2012

" This is the third edition of this pocket-sized guide to birds from the experts at the RSPB. From the Sandwich Tern to the Short-toed Eagle discover over 320 species of bird found in the UK and Europe with "RSPB Pocket Birds". Close-up photographs and notes on distinguishing features will help you identify different species of bird in the field. Learn all about them from their calls and feeding behaviour to nesting habits and habitats. Maps showing regions where each species can be found at what time of year will help you find the birds you are most interested in. It fits easily into a pocket. "RSPB Pocket Birds" is perfect for taking out in the field."

Collins GEM: Birds

Jim Flegg

2012

"This is the perfect pocket guide for keen birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts to identify the most commonly seen species in Britain and Europe. Authoritative text and beautiful photographs show the distinguishing features of each bird, including notes on appearance, colour and distinctive features, and information on juveniles, range and habitat, nests, call and breeding sites. In addition, an extensive introduction covers general information on plumage, habitats and migration, and gives first-time birdwatchers advice on what equipment to buy and where to go to spot the most desirable species. This new edition builds on the strengths of the unrivalled original, covering over 200 species of bird found in Britain and Europe."

Identification Guide to Birds of Britain and Northern Europe

Peter Goodfellow

John Beaufoy Publishing

2012

"A brand new, entry level photographic introduction to birds and bird watching, featuring 150 of the commoner bird species most likely to be seen in the fields and gardens of Britain and Northern Europe. The user-friendly introduction covers geography, climate, taxonomy and nomenclature, habitats, bird identification, and the best places to watch birds. Common birds are then identified using six descriptive groups: seabirds, waders, birds of prey, game birds, woodpeckers and other exotic-looking birds and passerine (perching) birds."

RSPB Birds of Britain and Europe

Rob Hume

2011

"The ultimate photographic guide to the birds of Europe. Produced with the RSPB, Birds of Britain and Europe is a stunning, illustrated guide to Europe's bird species. Describes and illustrates bird characteristics and beautiful full colour photographs reveal individual species with unrivalled clarity. With features on over 500 regularly seen species with illustrations and maps, plus an audio DVD with specially commissioned birdsong and calls. Including the characteristics of anatomy, life cycle, and behaviour, and provides a survey of the habitats in which birds live, this will appeal to all levels of birdwatchers and enthusiasts."

Town and Country Birds

Andy Clements

AA Publishing

2011

"This highly illustrated guide helps you to spot Britain's varied selection of town and country birds. Each entry features a log section where you can record your own findings, there is key information on each species, what to look for and where to find them, plus high quality photographs and illustrations, with close-up images to aid identification."

Collins Bird Guide (2nd Edition)

Lars Svensson

Collins

2010

"The book provides all the information needed to identify any species at any time of the year, covering size, habitat, range, identification and voice. Accompanying every species entry is a distribution map and illustrations showing the species in all the major plumages (male, female, immature, in flight, at rest, feeding: whatever is important). In addition, each group of birds includes an introduction which covers the major problems involved in identifying or observing them: how to organise a sea watching trip, how to separate birds of prey in flight, which duck hybrids can be confused with which main species. These and many other common birdwatching questions are answered. The combination of definitive text, up-to-date distribution maps and superb illustrations, all in a single volume, makes this book the ultimate field guide, essential on every bookshelf and birdwatching trip."

Buy paperback from amazon.co.uk

New Holland Concise Bird Guide

2010

"This beautifully illustrated mini field guide is packed with information on the birds of Britain and the near Continent. It covers more than 250 species, which are illustrated with superb full-colour artworks that show - where relevant - variations in plumage, for example for male, female and juvenile birds, and breeding and non-breeding birds. A concise written account covering size, description, voice, habitat, distribution and habits appears on the same page. The easy-to-follow layouts and superb artworks aid quick and accurate identification, and make this book an indispensable reference in the field as well as at home. It is compact enough to fit in the pocket, yet packed with essential information for the nature enthusiast. To protect it against the elements in the field, the book is wrapped in a durable plastic wallet. Also included is a foldout insert illustrating such topics as variations in plumage in flying birds of different species."

Guide to the 'Top 50' Garden Birds

Edward Jackson, Andrew Simms

Occasional Publication Volume 52

Field Studies Council

2010

"This fold-out chart is designed to help with the identification of the majority of bird species likely to be found in a British garden throughout the year. Choose the colour of the bird and its size, and you should be able to put a name to it. Different forms for males, females and juveniles are shown where appropriate to help with identification. The choice of 'top 50' is based on the relative abundance of species recorded in the UK by the BTO Garden BirdWatch survey, and should make garden bird identification quick and painless."

RSPB Handbook of British Birds

Peter Holden and Tim Cleeves

2010

"This is a completely revised and updated edition of the bestselling RSPB Handbook of British Birds. This unique guide provides a 'biography' of each of the 279 commonest British bird species. It covers all aspects of field identification, using illustrations from the highly acclaimed Handbook of Bird Identification to show all common plumage forms. The text also covers behaviour, breeding biology, population, status, longevity and any other interesting facts about the species concerned. A detailed distribution map is provided for each species. New to the third edition is a rarities section, featuring 24 additional species, and six brand new comparison artwork spreads illustrating difficult to identify species - such as ducks, waders, warblers, raptors and gulls - alongside one another. The RSPB Handbook provides a complete, single source of basic information to our most familiar birds."

Birds Of Europe (2nd Edition)

Lars Svensson

Princeton University Press

2010

"Since it was first published a decade ago, Birds of Europe has become the definitive field guide to the diverse birdlife found in Europe. Now this superb guide has been brought fully up to date with revised text and maps along with added illustrations. Uniquely designed for easy use in the field, this expanded edition covers all 772 species found in the region as well as 32 introduced species or variants and 118 very rare visitors. Detailed species accounts describe key identification features, voice, habitat, range, and size. More than 3,500 full-color illustrations depict every species and all major plumage variations, and color distribution maps provide breeding, wintering, and migration ranges for every species."

Advanced Bird ID Guide: The Western Palearctic

Nils Van Duivendijk

2010

"This innovative guide will be an essential addition to the library of any serious birder. It accurately describes every key detail of every plumage of all 900 species that have ever occurred in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East - the region known to all birdwatchers as the Western Palearctic. Its level of detail is unprecedented for a book of this size, and it will be sought after by all bird enthusiasts. A large number of existing bird field guides cover Europe and the Western Palearctic. This, however, is a guide with a difference. It has no colour plates or illustrations, but instead its unique selling point is that for every species the detailed text lists the key characters of each recognizable plumage, including male, female, immature, juvenile, all subspecies and all other variations. This level of detail includes, for example, all eleven forms of Canada Goose and all nine forms of Yellow Wagtail known in the region. In the past such in-depth detail has only been available in huge multi-volume tomes such as Birds of the Western Palearctic. "The Advanced Bird Guide" enables birders to take this information into the field for the first time."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

A Naturalist's Guide to the Birds of Britain and Northern Europe

Peter Goodfellow and Paul Sterry

2010

"A brand new, entry-level photographic identification guide to the commoner birds of Britain and Northern Europe, featuring 280 species that the amateur naturalist might expect to see in the field or garden. The user-friendly introduction covers geography, climate, habits, taxonomy and nomenclature, bird topography, and the best places to watch birds, in a way that doesn't assume prior knowledge of the subject."

The Birdwatcher's Pocket Guide to Britain and Europe

Peter Hayman and Rob Hume

2009

"This is the most compact and concise guide to the 430 species of birds that live in or regularly visit Britain and the rest of Europe. It is the only truly pocket-sized field guide. There are at least six illustrations of each species and Peter Hayman's unique painting style brings the birds to life. The well-researched text in the form of captions and annotation tells you all you need to know to be able to identify correctly different species. Symbols show at a glance in which habitats each bird can be found and at what time of year each is present - both essential factors for correct identification. Differentiating between one species and another could never be made simpler. This guide is the essential companion for taking into the field wherever you go birdwatching in Britain and Europe."

Birds of the Palearctic: Non Passerines

Norman Arlott

2009

"This is the essential companion for the keen birdwatcher. Together with the volume on passerines, published in 2007, this book covers all the non-perching birds of the Palearctic, a zoographical area running from the British Isles eastwards to Japan, with its southern border marked by the Sahara, the Middle Eastern deserts, and the Himalayas. It covers the whole of the Russian Arctic, China, Tibet, Japan and the whole of Europe - the most popular birdwatching area in the world. Every non-passerine species found in this wide area is illustrated in every plumage in which they can be seen in the wild. Author and illustrator Norman Arlott is one of the world's leading bird artists and has seen nearly all of the 1,800 species featured. The accompanying text concentrates on the specific characteristics and appearance of each species that allow identification in the field, including voice. Every species also has a distribution map - in many cases the first time this has been compiled for the area."

RSPB Complete Birds of Britain and Europe

Rob Hume

2009

"Whether you are an armchair addict, or a bird-watching pioneer this guide and 70-minute CD are essential reference. Use them to discover all about the 800 species regularly found in Britain and Europe as well as rarer varieties. See birds in their natural habitat and learn about characteristic behaviour. Stunning photos show adults in typical plumage, with male, female, juvenile and summer or winter variations helping you to identify birds in the field quickly and easily. Explore up-to-date, colour-coded maps highlighting resident and migratory distributions so you know which species to expect when you are out and about. Every fact and image is fully authenticated by the RSPB making this a must-have for bird enthusiasts of all levels."

RSPB Pocket Birds Of Britain and Europe

Jonathan Elphick, John Woodward

2009

"New edition of this pocket-sized guide to birds from the experts at the RSPB – Europe's largest conservation organisation. From the Sandwich Tern to the Short-toed Eagle discover over 320 species of bird found in the UK and Europe. Close-up photographs and notes on distinguishing features will help you identify different species of bird in the field. Learn all about them from their calls and feeding behaviour to nesting habits and habitats. Maps showing regions where each species can be found at what time of year will help you find the birds you are most interested in. Fits easily into a pocket – take it out in the field when you're spotting."

The Book of British Birds

2009

Paperback edition. : "This authoritative and comprehensive guide provides clear identification and details on lifestyle and habitat for all 216 species of bird commonly found in Britain, plus a further 117 rarer species whose irregular visits add excitement to the birdwatcher's year. More than 700 colour illustrations help to identify each bird, and distribution maps show where to see them and at what time of year. The birds are grouped according to the habitat in which they are most often seen to help you locate the correct species. The book also includes a helpful section on identifying birds by colour and in flight, highlighting tell-tale features to help you distinguish one species from another. With this beautiful guide you can appreciate the birdlife of Britain in all its splendour."

Deluxe slipcase edition. : "This authoritative and comprehensive guide provides clear identification and details on lifestyle and habitat for all 216 species of bird commonly found in Britain, plus a further 117 rarer species whose irregular visits add excitement to the birdwatcher's year. Beautifully presented in a deluxe slipcase, this book contains more than 700 colour illustrations help to identify each bird, and distribution maps show where to see them and at what time of year. The birds are grouped according to the habitat in which they are most often seen to help you locate the correct species. The book also includes a helpful section on identifying birds by colour and in flight, highlighting tell-tale features to help you distinguish one species from another. With this beautiful guide you can appreciate the birdlife of Britain in all its splendour."

Paperback edition

Buy from amazon.co.uk

Deluxe edition

Complete Guide To British Birds

Paul Sterry

2008

"A complete photoguide to all the birds of Britain from the best nature publisher in the UK Collins Complete Guide to British Birds makes bird identification easier than ever before. It is the most complete photographic guide to British birds ever published and the only one to be designed to give everything that you need on each spread in a simple-to-use format. Every text entry covers identification of adults and juveniles, songs and calls, and where they are most likely to be found. Illustrated with specially commissioned photography and maps to show where in Britain the birds are found and at what time of year, this accessible guide also features cross-references to similar-looking species, containing everything a birdwatcher needs to know in one, easy-to-use, portable volume. It is the perfect photographic field guide for the birdwatching beginner."

European Bird Guide

Peter H. Barthel, Paschalis Dougalis

2008

"This comprehensive field guide covers more than 500 bird species, including all those that commonly breed, pass through or winter in Britain and Europe, plus a number of regular vagrants. It has 70 beautifully illustrated and very accurate full-page colour plates illustrating a variety of plumages and poses for most species. In total the book contains 1,700 bird images. The concise text is packed with essential information on the identification, calls, distribution and status of each species and the account for each species is on the page opposite its illustration. There is a distribution map for most species.The book's combination of authority and portability make it an essential field companion for any European birdwatcher. It is more up-to-date than its nearest competitors and includes the latest taxonomic 'splits' such as Caspian Gull, Yelkouan Shearwater, Balearic Warbler and Iberian Green Woodpecker. In addition it is less expensive and much more portable than these other titles, being lighter and more pocket-sized. The introduction includes an overview of bird families, while there is a section on birdsong at the end of the book."

Birds By Colour

Mark Duquet

Christopher Helm

2008

"You've just seen a small black and white bird, but which species is it? Which bird has a red head and a yellow wing? Birds by Colour helps you to identify almost 200 bird species common to western Europe simply by their shape and colour. Conceived and designed specifically for beginners, this is the first guide to approach identification from birds' most visible characteristics: their colours. No prior knowledge of ornithology is required to use the guide. 184 species have been classified according to the most typical bird shapes. Then groups of species that share physical characteristics and have similar colours are treated together on a spread, illustrated side by side to allow direct comparison. In the second half of the book, each featured bird has its own short field guide entry, including information on their biology, behaviour, habitat and distribution. Each field guide entry is illustrated by a colour photograph and the artworks from the first half of the guide and details the best times and locations for observing the species."

Identifying Birds By Colour

Norman Arlott and Moss Taylor

2008

"A unique spotter's guide for the first-time birdwatcher It is not always easy for the amateur birdwatcher to correctly identify a bird from the glimpse that is seen as it flies past, but you do notice and remember the bird's colour. And that is where this book comes in. Using a completely new and innovative identification method, Identifying Birds by Colour will help you to identify over 300 species of bird, simply by the colours that appear in its plumage. Species are grouped into plates according to their common colours. Each species entry also has: notes and cross-references to detailed field information that will further help you to make an accurate identification; a handy guide to show you the likelihood of spotting each species; size comparison to familiar species; and information on when you are most likely to see each species and the habitat in which it occurs."

Birds of Britain and Europe

Volker Dierschke

2008

"This indispensable guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe is part of the new Black's Nature Guide series. Over 440 species of bird are covered, each beautifully illustrated with detailed paintings and clear photographs. The images not only show you what the bird looks like in its habitat, but also focus in on specific features such as differentiation between male and female plumages. Clear and concise information is provided as well as excellent maps showing distribution."

Great Birds of Britain and Europe: 200 Star Species

Jonathan Elphick and David Tipling

2008

"Concentrating on 200 really special birds of Britain and continental Europe, from Swans to Buntings, "Great Birds of Britain and Europe" is a marvellous celebration of the beauty of birds through the lens of dedicated and highly skilled photographers. The stunning images, although apparently spontaneous, are often the product of hours - even days - of patient fieldcraft and pure determination and stamina on the photographer's part. They capture the excitement of the birds - the thing that anyone watching them closely would find most compelling: a black-tailed Godwit performing its balletic display, two Golden Eagles fighting in mid-air. The text evocatively catches the key characteristics of each bird and, with the help of thumbnail colour maps, pinpoints its distribution and rarity status. For each species shown the author always offers fascinating facts that even a keen naturalist or birdwatcher might not already know. Most of the birds chosen are ones that enthusiasts are particularly pleased to see - whether because they are elusive, because they are special to their habitat or region, or simply because they are supremely beautiful."

Birds of the Palearctic: Passerines

Norman Arlott

2007

"This is the essential companion for the keen birdwatcher. This book covers all the perching birds of the Palearctic, a zoographical area running from the British Isles eastwards to Japan, with its southern border marked by the Sahara and middle Eastern deserts, and the Himalayas. It covers the whole of the Russian Arctic, China, Japan and the whole of Europe - the most popular birdwatching area in the world. Every passerine species found in this wide area is illustrated in every plumage in which they can be seen in the wild. Author and illustrator Norman Arlott is one of the world's leading bird artists and has seen nearly all of the 1,800 species featured. The accompanying text concentrates on the characteristics and appearance of each species that allow identification in the field (including voice). Every species will also have a distribution map - in many cases the first time this will have been compiled for the area."

RSPB Pocket Guide To British Birds

Simon Harrap

2007

"A compact, informative and beautifully illustrated RSPB guide to 174 of the most common birds found in Britain. This new pocket handbook will easily be the best value and highest quality British bird guide available within this price range. The RSPB Pocket Guide to Birds will feature concise descriptions of each bird's main characteristics including plumage, calls and song, confusion species, habitat, distribution and status, and behaviours. The brand new text, from Simon Harrap, is being written to highlight the detailed artworks. This easy-to-use guide features a species per page, including a colour distribution map."

RSPB Handbook of British Birds

Peter Holden and Tim Cleeves

2006

"Latest revision of the RSPB guide which provides a 'biography' of each of the 280 most common species is provided in simple, non-technical language, including a description to aide identification, habitat details and migration habits. Over 1150 superb colour illustrations show all the major species and up-to-date distribution maps represent where they can usually be found. There is information on breeding, wintering and migration patterns as well as much to discover on identification, moult patterns, range, voice, food and feeding, breeding ecology, and conservation."

What's That Bird?: A Quick Reference Guide to the Most Common European Garden Birds

Paul Sterry

2006

"This is an easy-to-use guide to 200 of the most common European garden birds that includes pictures of males and females, flight patterns and calls so you can quickly identify your visitors. It includes tips for encouraging different birds to nest and feed in your garden."

How to Identify Birds

Nicholas Hammond

2006

"A practical beginner's guide to identifying birds. For the beginner, it can be hard to distinguish a crow from a rook, a raven and a jackdaw. How to Identify Birds uses a sophisticated new method to help you do just that. You learn to distinguish 30 key species and from there are taken to similar birds, taught exactly how you can spot the more subtle differences between species and to identify them accurately. Each entry includes: numerous, specially-commissioned illustrations to show their behaviour and plumages; scientific factfile to double-up as a useful reference; distribution map and advice to suggest where you are most likely to find that species; and detailed, accurate illustrations show birds as you will see them in the wild."

Birds of Europe: With North Africa and the Middle East

Lars Jonsson

2005

Latest edition of the Jonsson guide. "This guide covers all but a few of the Western Palearctic's breeding birds, and includes information on all regularly encountered vagrants. It has over 400 colour plates and, with distribution maps and illustrations on facing pages, it is practically designed and easy to use."

Birds, A Complete Guide to All British and European Species

Dominic Couzens

2005

"A large format reference guide to the birds of Europe. Features over 450 species of bird that can be found regularly within Europe. Provides a comprehensive text along with some of the best bird photography in the world. The characteristic appearance and behaviour of every species is clearly identified, and there is at-a-glance information on food, song, habitat, migration, breeding and behaviour. Each species is illustrated with a colour photograph and artwork to show different plumages. In total there are over 500 colour photos and 1000 illustrations. Maps accompany each species to show distribution and breeding ranges. Organised taxonomically, entries vary in length from longer articles about the more iconic species, to shorter descriptions for similar species within a family."

Birds Britannica

Mark Cocker and Richard Mabey

Specialist text research: Jonathan Elphick

Chatto & Windus

2005

"... a handsome, easy-to-read, comprehensive cultural study, species by species, of all the birds in Britain. Companion volume to Flora Britannica. Birds Britannica is neither an identification guide nor a behavioural study (though both these subjects enter its field). It covers cultural links; social history; birds as food; ecology; the lore and language of birds; myths, art, literature and music; anecdotes, birdsong and rare facts; modern developments; migration, the seasons and our sense of place. An attempt to describe the interaction of birds and humans, it captures the essence of why birds matter."

Birds in England

Andy Brown, Phil Grice

2005

"This avifauna looks in detail at England and its birds, analysing present and historical data to present a complete picture of the status, range and abundance of every bird on the English list.

Introductory chapters general summaries of the composition and character of the English avifauna and bird habitats in England. These are followed by individual species accounts. Appendices include an annotated check-list of birds in England, calculations of breeding estimates for England for selected species and scientific names of non-bird species named in the text."

Identifying British Birds

Dominic Couzens

2005

"An intermediate guide which provides a combination of identification artwork with photographs and sketches illustrating bird behaviour. Alongside the artwork for each species, a colour map shows breeding and wintering locations. There are also clear voice descriptions of songs and calls. Species are arranged into their families are accompanied by 'notebook' pages describing and illustrating habitats, breeding and feeding behaviour and flight patterns."

Identifying Birds by Behaviour

Dominic Couzens

2005

"Most traditional bird guides rely on you identifying birds by their colour and other physical features. But what if you cannot get good enough views to make a firm identification? This highly original guide by Dominic Couzens acts as a companion to standard identification guides, designed to provide a definitive answer for just these situations. Five of the very best bird artists have been specially commissioned to illustrate birds as you will actually see them behaving in the field. Arranged according to family, Identifying Birds by Behaviour helps you distinguish between different species by their size, shape, where they can be found and how they behave. Each family section begins with an overview of their habitat and distribution and then focuses on different aspects of bird behaviour, thereby allowing direct comparison between easily confusable species."

Birds of Britain and Europe

Guy Mountford, P.A.D. Hollom, Roger Tory Peterson

2004

"The latest revision of a work that was first published 50 years ago. Describes nearly 700 species with over 1500 colour illustrations. Distribution maps show the breeding range and winter range for each species. In the case of confusable species, additional notes draw attention to their distinction from those with which they are most likely to be confused. Descriptions also include how to identify birds in flight and offers a concise introduction of what to look for when trying to distinguish different species."

Birds: Collins WildGuide

Peter Holden

2004 (update of 1996 edition)

"A beginners guide to the birds you are most likely to see in Britain and Ireland. Helps with the identification of 240 different species of bird and discover more about them. An ID Fact File provides at-a-glance information on size, differences in appearance for each gender, distinguishing features and any seasonal or age changes in colour. It also tells you what features to look for in flight and a guide to help the reader to recognise each species' songs and common calls. Similar species are cross-referenced to ensure correct identification. Each page is devoted to a different species and is illustrated with a colour photograph and a map showing distribution and habitat variations. There is a detailed description of each bird, its appearance, and its nesting and feeding habits."

Birds: Collins Gem

Jim Flegg

2004

"A pocket-sized guide to significant British and Northern European birds. The book uses a compbination of photography and original artwork to provide a practical and attractive identification guide. Includes over 200 European species. Each bird entry includes notes on appearance, colour and distinctive features, and information on juveniles, range and habitat, nests, call and breeding sites. In addition, an introduction covers general information on plumage, habitats and migration, and gives first-time birdwatchers advice on what equipment to buy and where to go to spot the most desirable species."

Birds of Great Britain, Europe and Africa: An Illustrated Encyclopedia and Birdwatching Guide

David Alderton

2004

"Finely illustrated guide to birds in Britain, Europe and Africa with detailed information on behaviour, size, habitat, nests and food. Birds are grouped by habitat - including seashore, freshwater, woodland and garden types. An accessible introduction explains how birds evolved, and examines the many aspects of their behaviour - from flight, food and mating rituals to nesting and migration."

A Field Guide to the Birds of Britain and Ireland by Habitat

Mark Golley, Dave Daly

2004

"A guide describing just under 300 species organised by habitat for ease of use. The text includes identification tips, details of habitat and calls for over 280 bird species. It is illustrated with over 1000 spectacular, full-colour illustrations by Dave Daly."

The Hamlyn Guide to Birds of Britain and Europe

Bertel Brunn, Hakan Delin and Lars Svensson

Bounty Books

2004

"A new revision of the most authoritative and up-to-date identification guide to all the birds of Britain and Europe. Over 530 birds illustrated in full colous. Over 465 distribution maps and 140 line drawings. Completely new introduction, describes basic field techniques and common identification errors."

AA Best of Britain's Birds

Paul Sterry

2004

"A user-friendly guide to over 200 of Britain's most widely seen birds and habitats. The detailed paintings of birds show many species in flight, or engaging in characteristic behaviour, such as courtship or feeding. The text accompanying each bird portrait provides a quick guide to key points for identification Information panels for each bird give information on size, wingspan, feeding, nesting and breeding habits, song and calls."

Field Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe

Paul Sterry

2004

Complete British Birds

Paul Sterry

2004

"A photographic guide to British Birds. Provides information on bird habitats, plumage, migration and movements and conservation. The photographs show birds in every plumage; male and female, adult or juvenile, summer or winter. Each species account gives a description of plumage patterns, voice, where the bird is likely to be found and its status in the country. There are distribution maps for each species."

Reader's Digest Book of British Birds

2003

"In this guide aspects of bird behaviour are explained and explored, as well as practical facts about the habits and habitats of the 217 species commonly found in Britain. There are also illustrations and brief descriptions of a further 117 rarer species whose irregular visits to the British Isles add to the excitement of the birdwatcher's year. A census of birds is included, and you will find out how to identify birds by their shape and colour and by their flight action."

Guide to Wetland Birds

Doug Hulyer and Phil Shepherd

Field Studies Council

2003

"Produced in partnership with the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, this 12-panel laminated fold-out chart provides coloured illustrations and information on 49 species of birds commonly found in wetlands throughout north-west Europe. It includes 11 duck species, 7 geese, 3 swans, 20 waders as well as other wetland birds."

Birds by Behaviour

Dominic Couzens

2003

"Covering the birds of Britain and northern Europe, this field guide allows readers not only to identify birds by their colour and other physical features, but also by the way in which they fly, feed and flock. Divided by bird families and featuring original, lively illustrations by Philip Snow and Tony Disley, the book is designed to illustrate birds as readers will actually see them in the field, enabling them to distinguish between different species by their size, shape, where they can be found and how they behave. Each family section begins with an overview of their habitat and distribution and then focuses on different aspects of bird behaviour, thereby allowing direct comparison between superficially similar birds."

The RSPB Guide to British Birds

Peter Holden, J.T.R. Sharrock, Hilary Burn

2002

"The latest revision of this RSPB endorsed beginner's guide to British birds. It covers 300 of the most commonly found birds in Britain and Ireland in a compact and easy-to-use format. Each species is beautifully illustrated in colour in its characteristic habitat with identification tips and background notes. In addition the book carries a unique section on where to watch birds on RSPB reserves, including full details of opening times and how to get there. For the new edition, both the text and the maps have been revised and brought completely up to date to reflect changes in breeding and wintering patterns."

RSPB Complete Birds of Britain and Europe

Rob Hume

2002

"In this guide the 320 species most commonly seen in Britain and Europe have full-page coverage, comprising of a large photograph of each bird in its most frequently observed plumage with supporting images showing the most important plumage variations. Additional illustrations reveal the characteristic appearance of each bird in flight, while "in situ" views portray a range of behaviours and habits. Similar-looking species and subspecies are also pictured, for comparison. In each species profile, key features are highlighted by annotation around each picture and further details of voice, nesting, feeding, migration, habitat, nomenclature, physical statistics, social grouping, behaviour, lifespan and conservation status are presented in jargon-free text. Distribution is shown in colour-coded maps. In addition to the main species, over 200 less common and peripheral birds are also illustrated and described, while a further 276 very rare and introduced species are concisely profiled."

Birds of Britain and Europe: Photographic Field Guide

Jim Flegg and David Hosking

2002

"This comprehensive guide identifies, describes and illustrates over 430 bird species likely to be encountered in Britain and Europe. The introduction offers information on all aspects of birdwatching including bird biology; major types of habitat; field craft and equipment; and conservation. The main body of the book provides full details of the birds' distinctive features and plumage, behaviour, calls and song and habitat. The description of each species is accompanied by a colour photograph and colour-coded maps show the areas where the birds are found at certain times of the year."

Pocket Guide To Birds of Britain and North-West Europe

Chris Kightley, Steve Madge, and Dave Nurney

2002

"Covering birds of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, Britain and Ireland, this guide describes 386 species of bird, including all breeding species and all regular and scarce migrants. The definitive and accurate text highlights the key features that are required to make quick and safe identification. Almost every species is illustrated with a plate and all plumages regularly seen in the region are depicted. Similar species are compared to scale on double-page spreads as an aid to identification. Numerous maps are also included. This second edition has been extensively revised to include updated information and new artwork."

The Wildlife Trusts Guide to Birds

Nicholas Hammond, David Daly

2002

"An identification guide covering nearly 130 of the most commonly encountered bird species in Britain and Northern Europe. Illustrated with nearly 130 detailed colour artworks and accompanied by accessible yet informed text. The Wildlife Trusts and Wildlife Watch - the UK's leading club for young environmentalists - have been speaking out for wildlife since 1912 and play a key part in restoring the balance between new developments and the natural world. With the specialist skills of volunteers and staff they manage more than 2,300 wildlife reserves."

The New Birdwatcher's Pocket Guide to Britain and Europe

Peter Hayman and Rob Hume

2002

"A compact and concise pocket-size field guide to 430 species of birds that live in or regularly visit Britain and the rest of Europe. The guide is organized in scientific order, with at least six illustrations of each species. The text is presented in captions and annotations, explaining how to correctly identify different species. Symbols show at a glance in which habitats each bird can be found and at what time of year each is present."

Birds of Britain and Ireland

John Gooders

Kingfisher

2002

"This is a practical, informative and colour-illustrated field guide to 250 species of birds. It also contains distribution maps and complete checklists for easy identification."

Birds of Britain and Europe

Roger Tory Peterson, Guy Mountford, P.A.D. Hollom,

Houghton Mifflin

2001

"The latest revision of a work that was first published nearly 50 years earlier. Describes nearly 700 species with over 1500 colour illustrations. Distribution maps show the breeding range and winter range for each species. In the case of confusable species, additional notes draw attention to their distinction from those with which they are most likely to be confused. Descriptions also include how to identify birds in flight and offers a concise introduction of what to look for when trying to distinguish different species."

Collins Bird Guide: The Most Complete Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe

Lars Svensson, Peter J. Grant, Killian Mullarney, and Dan Zetterstrom

2001

"This guide provides all the information needed to identify any species at any time of the year, with detailed text on size, habitat, range, identification and voice. Accompanying every species entry is a distribution map and numerous illustrations to show the species in all the major plumages (male, female, immature, in flight, at rest, feeding, etc). Each group of birds has an introduction, which covers the major problems involved in identifying or seeing them, including: how to organize a sea watching trip; how to separate birds of prey in flight; and which duck hybrids can be confused with which species."

Birds of Britain and Europe with North Africa and the Middle East

Hermann Heinzel, Richard Fitter, and John Parslow

2001

"The best-selling Collins bird identification guide has a brand-new look. Covering all the birds found from the North Pole to the Sahara Desert, and from the Ural Mountains to the Atlantic islands, the species are arranged in families. The colour illustrations show how the species differ in terms of their age and sex, and also how their appearance varies across the range. The text for each bird includes the points most helpful for identification: general appearance and behaviour, colour and markings, how it flies or walks, songs and calls, size in centimetres, and habitat. The maps next to each description show where the bird is found: green for all the year round, yellow for summer distribution and blue for winter. The main migration patterns are also shown."

Birds of Britain and Ireland

John Gooders

Kingfisher Field Guides

Kingfisher

2002

"This is a practical guide to over 400 species of bird in Britain and Europe. Information on each bird includes fact panels with complete checklists of features and characteristics and detailed close-ups for correct identification."

Birds of Britain and Ireland

Dominic Couzens

2001

"A comprehensive guide that provides a unique combination of identification artwork with photographs and sketches that illustrate bird behaviour. Divided by bird family, each identification plate is arranged to show similar-looking species together. For each one there is are detailed identification illustrations showing the male, female and juvenile. These are supplemented by maps showing breeding and wintering locations, and voice descriptions of songs and calls. The information or ‘notebook' pages that follow describe and illustrate habitats, breeding and feeding behaviour and flight patterns."

Green Guide to Birds of Britain and Europe

Jim Flegg

2001

"Aimed at both the general reader and the amateur naturalist, this guide offers a wealth of information on observing and identifying 150 of the most commonly encountered bird species in Britain and Europe. Each bird has a detailed description of its plumage, behaviour, calls and habitat."

Photographic Guide to Birds of Britain and Europe

Paul Sterry and Jim Flegg

2001

"With easy-to-use thumbnail outlines of each family group, an authoritive text describing key identification features and full-colour photographs illustrating all species covered by the guide, this book is designed for anyone interested in birds in Britain and Europe."

Birds of Britain: The Identification Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe

Roger Tory Peterson, Guy Mountford, P.A.D. Hollom,

2001

"A fully illustrated guide to over 500 European species of birds, including rarities and key vagrants. Each species entry includes at least one-full colour illustration, a colour distribution map and detailed background information, such as feeding habits, mating behaviour and flight patterns."

The Complete Guide to the Birdlife of Britain and Europe

Peter Hayman and Rob Hume

2001

"A large format reference guide includes all the resident species and regular seasonal visitors to Europe. In total 430 species of birds are included. Geographic coverage is from Varangar Fjord through Leningrad and Kiev to Istanbul, including the Balearics, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete. There are at least six full-colour illustrations of each species accompanied by detailed information on plumages, habitats, breeding, feeding, migration, voice and distribution. Much of the text is in the form of annotation around the illustrations to highlight the most important identification features. Similar species are close together for easy comparison. There are introductory illustrated features on habitats, biology, migration and lifestyles."

Birds Of Europe

Lars Svensson, Killian Mullarney, Dan Zetterstrom, Peter J. Grant

2000

"Birds of Europe is an extraordinary new field guide to the diverse bird life found throughout Europe. Ranging from the Urals to the Atlantic and from Scandinavia to the Middle East, the guide covers the 722 bird species found in the region as well as 23 introduced species or variants and 103 very rare visitors. The text by Lars Svensson and Peter J. Grant provides all of the information needed to identify any species in Europe at any time of year, covering identification, voice, habitat, range, and size. In addition, the authors provide an introduction to each group of birds that addresses the major problems involved in identifying or observing the group: how to separate birds of prey in flight, how to organize a sea watching trip, which duck hybrids can be confused with which main species. In over 3,500 illustrations, Killian Mullarney and Dan Zetterstrom depict every species as well as all major plumage variations. The artists also introduce several design innovations. They illustrate typical habitats and characteristic behavior, including birds in flight, feeding, hunting, and perching; they add pointers and captions to the plates to show key field marks; and they arrange birds for easy comparison of confusing plumages. Distribution maps give up-to-date breeding, wintering, and migration ranges for every species. The combination of definitive text, superb illustrations, and innovative design, all in a single, portable volume, makes this book the ultimate field guide to the birds of Europe. On the bookshelf or in the coat pocket, it will become an essential companion for every birder, ornithologist, and traveler to Europe."