On this page

The books on the is page are guides to bird families or groups of familes published by Christopher Helm. The books are listed by publication date with the most recent at the top.

There are a number of Helm pages on the site

Regional ID Guides

Photographic Guides

County Avifaunas

Where To Watch Birds (GB)

Where To Watch Birds (World)

Other Helm publications

Flight Identification of Raptors of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East

Dick Forsman

Christopher Helm

2016

"This book is the ultimate flight-identification guide for the raptors of the Western Palaearctic, covering Europe, North Africa, the Middle East (including Arabia) to Central Asia. It provides identification information for all 60 species that regularly occur in the region. going to subspecific level wherever needed. The text covers every plumage and age in detail, with each species account accompanied by a range of photographs covering all the principal plumages. Based on this stunning photographic coverage, most of which has never been published before, this book represents a landmark in bird identification books and a major work for all raptor enthusiasts."

Wildfowl of Europe, Asia and North America

Sébastien Reeber

Christopher Helm

2015

"Wildfowl of Europe, Asia and North America is a comprehensive reference summarising current knowledge on the identification of the different species and subspecies of ducks, geese and swans in Europe, Asia and North America in essence the Holarctic zoogeographical region. The detailed species accounts cover taxonomy, specific and subspecific identification features, determination of age and sex, geographic variation, measurements, voice, moult and hybridisation. In addition, the current status of each species is treated with up-to-date information on distribution, population size, habitat and life-cycle. The text is complemented by 650 colour photos, almost all taken in the wild, and 72 colour plates painted by the author and featuring over 920 individual artworks. Together, these represent most of the plumages of each of the 84 species treated in this book, as well as more than 100 hybrids that are observed more or less regularly in the wild. The photos are provided with captions that focus on the most important features, and the plates are accompanied by succinct caption text and distribution maps. This new identification guide provides an unrivalled level of detail and a wealth of information and illustrations. It will be an essential reference for anyone interested in the ducks, geese and swans of Eurasia and North America."

Robins and Chats

Peter Clement and Chris Rose

Christopher Helm

2015

"This authoritative handbook, part of the Helm Identification Guides series, looks in detail at the world's 170 species of robins and chats. This large family of small passerines was formerly considered to be part of the thrush family (Turdidae), but is now usually treated as a separate family, Muscicapidae, together with the Old World flycatchers. The vast majority of species are Eurasian or African, with only a handful of species straying into the New World or Australasia. The Australian Robins, although superficially similar, have long been regarded as a separate family. Robins and chats are a diverse family comprising both highly colourful and visible species, such as the robin-chats of Africa, as well as some of the most skulking and elusive birds, such as the shortwings of Asia. Many chats, such as the well-known Nightingale, are renowned songsters, and a good number are highly sought-after by world listers for their extreme rarity or simply because they are hard to see. This book discusses the identification and habits of these birds on a species-by-species basis, bringing together the very latest research with accurate range maps, more than 600 stunning colour photographs that illustrate age and racial plumage differences, and 64 superb colour plates by the internationally renowned artist, Chris Rose."

Crows and Jays: A Guide to the Crows, Jays and Magpies of the World

Steve Madge and Hilary Burn

2013

This is a reprint of the 1999 edition not a new edition

"120 species of crows, jays and their allies exist in the world today. Many are exceedingly beautiful in colour, grace and form, whereas others are black and somewhat sinister in appearance. In no other group of perching birds has evolution produced such a degree of variation, from the tiny Hume's Ground-Jay of the steppe-highlands of Tibet to the huge Thick-billed Raven of the mountains of Ethiopia. Some have had a long association with people and appear in tales of mythology and superstition, while others have been regarded as agricultural pests. The great majority, however, remain largely unknown, their only contact with humanity being the destruction of their specialised habitats. As a consequence, more than 20 species are now regarded as internationally endangered, some of which are very poorly known. The 30 superb colour plates by Hilary Burn in this book depict them all; each plate is accompanied by an informative caption page summarising the criteria required to identify the species, alongside colour world distribution maps. Some of these birds, bearing such evocative names as the Banggai Crow, Mesopotamian Crow and Flores Crow, have never been illustrated before. The authoritative text by Steve Madge treats each species in depth, summarising identification techniques and concisely reviewing all aspects of corvid behaviour, distribution, population and taxonomy. The author has had first-hand experience of most of the species during his travels throughout the world, travels in which he gradually became fascinated by this very special, but somewhat ignored, group of birds. Crows and Jays is a combination of scientifically accurate information and an identification guide, planned to give anyone, whether a birdwatcher or biologist, a greater understanding of the lives of these beautiful, yet very complex, group of birds."

Buntings and Sparrows: A Guide to the Buntings and North American Sparrows

Urban Olsson and Jon Curson

Christopher Helm

2013

This is a reprint of the 1999 edition published by Pica

"This book is the first comprehensive guide to all the Old World buntings and North American sparrows. It includes 39 plates in full colour depicting all the species and distinct races. In the systematic section each species account is divided into sections: the identification section summarises important field marks; the description section details plumage and bare part characteristics for all ages and sexes; geographical variation covers taxonomy, and other sections give detailed measurements, descriptions of moult and ageing, habits, voice, status and habitat, distribution and movements, and references. A range map is included for each species. This beautifully presented book will for many years to come help solve the identification problems posed by a delightful and sought-after family of birds."

Shrikes: A Guide to the Shrikes Of The World

Norbert Lefranc and Tim Worfolk

2013

This is a reprint of the 2000 edition published by Pica

"Shrikes are a charismatic group of birds ­occur­ring throughout most of the Old World and North America. The family Laniidae consists of 31 ­species in three genera, if the Southern Grey Shrike and Great Grey Shrike are accepted as ­separate ­species which the author recommends. This book is the first to cover all the shrikes in one volume. .... Many species are of conservation concern ­including the Great Grey Shrike, The Lesser Grey Shrike, The Woodchat Shrike and the Red-backed Shrike in Europe and the Loggerhead Shrike in North America. The decline of these species has been largely caused by changing farming ­methods, but all are now legally protected. This brilliant book brings together the most recent information on the shrike family and the superb text and illustrations should lead to ­successful and safe identification of all species in the field."

Cuckoos of the World

Johannes Erritzøe, Clive F Mann, Frederik P Brammer, Richard A Fuller

Helm Identification Guides

Christopher Helm

2012

"Cuckoos of the World describes all 144 species of the Cuculidae in exceptional detail, with accurate range maps and superb illustrations by four world-renowned artists to show different plumages and subspecies. Despite many species being difficult to see well – often their presence is only revealed by vocalisations – photographs, many of a very high standard, of almost all species are also included, further aiding identification. Cuckoos of the World brings together not only personal field and museum research from the four authors, but information from a number of sources, including a comprehensive literature review. Our knowledge of these birds is far from complete, even in intensively studied species such as the common cuckoo, and much remains to be discovered. Cuckoos of the World represents the definitive reference on the identification of cuckoos. It is hoped that it will engender a wider interest in cuckoos and be a spur to future research."

Cotingas and Manakins

Guy Kirwan and Graeme Green

Helm Identification Guides

Christopher Helm

2011

"This book looks in detail at two families of South American birds, the cotingas and manakins, perhaps the most colourful of all neotropical bird groups, and widely regarded as the South American equivalent of New Guinea's Birds of Paradise. The book is a synthesis of the very latest research into the identification, taxonomy and behaviour of each of the 160 species, along with detailed colour maps, several hundred previously unpublished colour photographs, and Eustace Barnes's stunning colour plates."

Finches & Sparrows

Peter Clement

Helm Identification Guides

Christopher Helm

2011 (new edition)

"This is a guide to true" finches and sparrows illustrating all the species, many races and most sex and age variations, with almost 950 portraits. The maps accompanying the illustrations show breeding and wintering ranges for all species. Although the guide is not primarily intended for cagebird enthusiasts, it will also be useful for those wishing to know more about the species encountered in captivity."

Reed And Bush Warblers

David Pearson and Peter Kennerley

Helm Identification Guides

Christopher Helm

2010

"This detailed and comprehensive identification guide follows in the mould of Sylvia Warblers and Pipits and Wagtails. It primarily covers the genera Acrocephalus, Locustella, Cettia and Bradypterus, together with a few smaller related genera. To the uninitiated, these are the archetypal 'little brown jobs' and as if they weren't hard enough to identify anyway, many of them are hard to see as well! This authoritative handbook covers their identification in breathtaking detail, illustrated with line drawings, sonograms, wonderful colour plates and photographs. It is destined to become the ultimate reference for these challenging birds."

Parrots Of The World

Joseph M Forshaw

Christopher Helm

2010

"This new field guide from the world's foremost authority on parrots comprises beautiful colour plates with a succinct text on the opposite pages. It will cover every species in the world and include up-to-date distribution maps. Useful introductory chapters examine topics such as taxonomy, evolution, breeding biology, behaviour and conservation. The primary purpose of the book is identification of the world's parrot species and it will become an essential reference for a wide variety of people including birders, researchers, conservationists, aviculturists and customs officials."

Shorebirds of the Northern Hemisphere

Richard Chandler

Christopher Helm

2009

"Shorebirds are a very popular group of birds among birders of all standards, though their identification is often a challenge. Covering all the species of the northern hemisphere, this new photographic guide provides all the information a birder will need at a glance. Lavishly illustrated with colour photography by the author, Shorebirds of the Northern Hemisphere focuses on specific and subspecific separation and on ageing to provide a complete identification resource."

Owls Of The World

Claus König, Friedhelm Weick

Christopher Helm

2008

"Owls are enduringly popular birds, but due to their nocturnal habits most species are difficult to see well. The plumages of many species are cryptic and difficult to separate by plumage alone. This problem is compounded by the different morphs that many adopt. This book fully describes every known species and subspecies of owl, as well as presenting the latest evidence on owl taxonomy, based on DNA work and vocalisations. Because voice is vital in owl identification, much emphasis is placed on it in the book and sonograms are provided for many species."

Albatrosses, Petrels and Shearwaters of the World

Derek Onley

Christopher Helm

2006

"The first comprehensive guide to pelagic birds, the albatrosses, petrels, shearwaters, storm-petrels and diving petrels. A total of 46 spectacular colour plates highlight key ID criteria of the birds in flight, with close-ups of diagnostic regions of the plumage. The plates are accompanied by accurate distribution maps, while the sparkling text brings the world of these amazing birds to life. Several extremely rare species, such as Beck's Petrel, are illustrated for the first time, while the New Zealand Storm-petrel, rediscovered as recently as 2004, is also included."

Raptors of the World (Concise edition)

James Ferguson-Lees and David Christie

Christopher Helm

2005

"Raptors of the World (Helm, 2001) is the definitive handbook to this most popular group of birds. This new field guide uses all of the plates from Raptors of the World, with a concise, revised text on facing pages, to create a conveniently-sized, lightweight field reference covering all 340 raptor species. Several of the plates have been reworked and repainted for this guide. The book also has an updated colour distribution map for each species. Much of the extensive introductory material has been retained in this guide, with the addition of a complete species list containing all subspecies and brief details of their ranges. Armed with this guide, birders will be able to identify with confidence any raptor encountered anywhere in the world."

Waders of Europe, Asia and North America

Stephen Message and Don Taylor

Christopher Helm

2005

"This new field guide offers a complete identification reference to all of the sandpipers, plovers, stints and other waders found in Europe, Asia and North America. The superb plates show birds at rest and in flight (in separate sections), in every plumage variant likely to be encountered in the region. Species have been grouped, especially on the flight plates, so that similar species are shown close to each other. Facing text summarises key identification pointers to complete a quick-reference, field-friendly guide to this difficult and challenging group."

Gulls of Europe, Asia and North America

Klaus Malling Olsen

Christopher Helm

2003

"The standard text on the identification of the northern hemisphere's gulls, this book covers the plumage variation through age and subspecies of all 80 species in the region. With exhaustive coverage, detailed maps, and superb plates and photos, this book remains the definitive work on these birds, which represent the trickiest of all ID challenges."

Stonechats and Bushchats

Ewan Urquhart

Helm Identification Guides

Christopher Helm

2002

"A comprehensive guide to the genus Saxicola. The book is primarily an identification guide, using colour plates and photographs to illustrate the various races and plumages. Distribution maps are available for each species. The text also covers the biology, habitat and range of each species. DNA data is presented to address some of the taxonomic issues affecting the species within the genus."

Pheasants, Partridges and Grouse: Including Buttonquails, Sandgrouse and their Allies

Steve Madge and Phil MacGowan

Helm Identification Guides

Christopher Helm

2002

"A comprehensive guide to over 250 species of pheasants, partridges, quails, grouse, turkeys, guineafowl, buttonquails and sandgrouse. This book is primarily an identification guide focusing on identification details and description. The text provides information on identification, description, geographical variation, voice, status, habitat and behavior, distribution, movements and conservation issues. 72 color plates show male, female, juvenile, and subspecies plumages. There is a colour distribution map for each species."

Pipits and Wagtails of Europe, Asia and North America

Per Alstrom & Krister Mild

Helm Identification Guides

Christopher Helm

2002

"This book covers the 26 species of northern hemisphere pipits and wagtails. 26 full color plates and some part plates depict all the species and distinct subspecies in different plumages. As a further aid to identification there are nearly 250 color photographs, numerous line drawings, and color distribution maps for each species. The text covers all aspects of identification: taxonomy, size and structure, plumage, geographical variation, anatomical measurements, molt and aging, sexing, voice, behavior, distribution, and habitat. The book also includes sonograms of the species' unique songs and calls."

Raptors of the World

James Ferguson-Lees and David Christie

Christopher Helm

2001 (revised 2005)

"This covers the world's 313 raptor species. 112 colour plates show adult, juvenile and some immature plumages plus main geographical races. The accompanying text provides additional identification information such as length, wingspan, male-to-female proportion, shape and flight. Further species information includes distribution and movements, habitat, voice, food, socio-sexual behavoir, breeding and population information. The text includes line drawings illustrating specific points about identification and behaviour."

A concise edition of this book, Raptors Of The World: Field Guide, was published in 2005.

Sylvia Warblers: Identification, Taxonomy and Phylogeny of the Genus Sylvia

Hadoram Shirihai, Gabriel Gargallo and Andreas J. Helbig

Helm Identification Guides

Christopher Helm

2001

"Based on phylogenetic research, this complete study of the genus Sylvia describes two new species and establishes identification criteria for all members of the family. A lengthy introduction explains the background to the research and outlines the main features of the genus. The 25 species are then treated in detail, including the African parisomas, which are here included in the Sylva group. The species accounts include sections on every aspect of identification, with colour illustrations showing age, sex and racial differences, distribution maps, sonograms, moult and wing diagrams and tables."

Wrens, Dippers and Thrashers

David Brewer

Helm Identification Guides

Yale / Helm

2001

"The first comprehensive guide to these families. Includes 75 wrens, 34 thrashers, and 5 dippers. Includes 32 colour plates. The individual species accounts includes sections on identification, range, habitat, movements, status, geographical variation, voice, behaviour and breeding biology."

Thrushes

Peter Clement

Helm Identification Guides

Christopher Helm

2000

"Covers the 162 species in the family Turdidae. Includes 60 colour plates which show all species with immature birds and distinct races. Additional line drawings highlight aspects of shape or plumage. Colour distribution maps show the breeding and wintering range for each species. The text includes information about identification, geographical variation, voice, status and distribution, movements, habitat, behavior, and measurements for all species."

Shrikes and Bush-shrikes: Including Wood-shrikes, Helmet-shrikes, Shrike Flycatchers, Philentoemas, Batises and Wattle-eyes

Tony Harris

Helm Identification Guides

Christopher Helm

2000

"This book covers 114 species within the families Laniidae and Malaconotidae. 41 colour plates depict all species showing differences in sex, age, geographical variation, and flight pattern. The plates are accompanied by identification captions and colour distribution maps. The text includes individual species accounts with sections on field identification, plumage, geographical variation, distribution, movements. general and foraging behaviour, food, sounds and breeding behaviour."

Tanagers: Natural History, Distribution and Identification

Morton Isler

Christopher Helm

1999

"A guide to the 242 species of tanager found in the Americas. There are 32 colour plates showing 551 tanager plumages. Distribution maps are provided for each species. The text covers aspects of the species' natural history with emphasis on field identification."

Finches & Sparrows

Peter Clement

Christopher Helm

1999

Reprinted in 2011

"This is a guide covers the 290 species of "true" finches and sparrows (the families Fringillidae, Carduelidae, Estrildidae and Passeridae). Full colour plates illustrate all the species, many races and most sex and age variations, with almost 950 portraits. Accompanying maps show breeding and wintering ranges. An introductory section gives an overview of the four families and the individual species text covers field identification, voice, geographical variation, habitat & range, migration, food, habits and description."

Crows and Jays: A Guide to the Crows, Jays and Magpies of the World

Steve Madge and Hilary Burn

1999

"There are 120 species in the Corvid family, of which some are colourful and exotic and others are highly endangered. All species are illustrated and each plate is accompanied by an informative caption page summarizing the most important identification criteria, alongside colour distribution maps. The text provides a thorough review of all aspects of Corvid behaviour, distribution, population and taxonomy as well as the standard rigorous discussion of all matters relating to identification."

Kingfishers, Bee-eaters and Rollers

C. Hilary Fry and Kathie Fry

Helm Identification Guides

Helm

1999

"Dazzling in their beauty, many of the 123 species of kingfisher, bee-eater and roller are very poorly known. This reference provides a review of the group showing every species, all the main races and most sex and age variations. Text and plates are closely co-ordinated with emphasis on behaviour, field characters and identifcation. Colour maps showing breeding and wintering ranges are also included."

Starlings and Mynas

Chris Feare and Adrian Craig

Helm Identification Guides

Christopher Helm

1998

"A guide to the 114 members of the species. Introductory chapters give accounts of distribution, behavior, ecology, breeding, and interactions with man. Individual species accounts include aspects of identification, variations and distribution. There are 32 colour plates showing all species and a variety of races. Colour distribution maps are provided for each species."

New World Blackbirds: The Icterids

Alvaro Jaramillo and Peter Burke

Helm Identification Guides

Christopher Helm

1998

"Covers the 103 species which range throughout the Americas and Caribbean. The book describes every species, including races where relevant, and covers many aspect of the natural history and identification of the species including behavior, nesting, geographic variation, distribution, vocalizations. There are distribution maps and line drawings which illustrate aspects of bird behavior. 39 colour plates show all the species and many subspecies."

Warblers of Europe, Asia and North Africa

Kevin Baker

Christopher Helm

1997

"This guide covers 145 species of Warblers, covering all aspects of identification. The text includes sections on moult, voice, habitat and behaviour, distribution and measurements. Colour plates and a distribution map are provided for all the species."

Tits, Nuthatches & Treecreepers

Simon Harrap

Christopher Helm

1996

"This guide covers all 110 of the world's species of tits, nuthatches and creepers. The Parulidae ("true" tits), Remizidae (penduline tits) and Aegithalidae (long-tailed tits) form the bulk of the book (78 species), with a further 24 species of nuthatch and eight creepers. The text covers each species under a number of headings: identification, sex and age, voice, distribution and movements, habitat, population, habits, breeding biology, description, movements, geographical variation, relationships, and references."

Terns of Europe and North America

Klaus Malling Olsen

Helm Identification Guides

Christopher Helm

1995

"The guide covers 23 species of Western Paleartic and North American Terns. The individual species text includes sections on field identification, moult, description, geographical variation, measurements and weight. Thereis a quick reference section summarising the key identification features. Also includes 48 colour plates and distribution maps."

Crows and Jays: A Guide to the Crows, Jays and Magpies of the World

Steve Madge

Christopher Helm

1994

"There are 120 species of crows, jays and their allies which exist in the world today, many are exceedingly beautiful in colour, grace and form, whereas others are black and sinister in appearance. In no other group of perching birds has evolution produced such a degree of variation, from the tiny Hume's Ground-Jay of the steppe-highlands of Tibet to the huge Thick-Billed Raven of the mountains of Ethiopia. Some have had a long association with man and appear in tales of mythology and superstition, others have been regarded as agricultural pests. The great majority, however, remain largely unknown, their only contact with man being the destruction of their specialized habitats. As a consequence, over 20 species are now regarded as internationally endangered, some before we know very much about them. This book treats each species in depth, summarizing identification techniques, and reviewing all aspects of corvid behaviour, distribution, population and taxonomy. The author had first-hand experience of most of the species during his travels through all the continent, travels in which he gradually became fascinated by this very special, but somewhat ignored, group of birds. The book is a combination of scientifically accurate information and identification guide, planned to give anyone, whether a birdwatcher or biologist, a greater understanding of the lives of these beautiful, yet very complex, group of birds."

New World Warblers: An Identification Guide

Jon Curson

Helm Identification Guides

Christopher Helm

1994

"The guide provides an introduction to the family (Parulinae) which are distributed through North, Central and South America. The introduction is followed by individual species text, distribution maps and 36 colour plates."

Finches & Sparrows

Peter Clement

Christopher Helm

1993

Kingfishers, Bee-eaters and Rollers

C. Hilary Fry and Kathie Fry

Helm Identification Guides

Helm

1992

"A guide to the 123 species of Kingfishers, Bee-eaters and Rollers. Individual species accounts describe identification, field characters, behaviour, ecology and natural history. Three colour distribution maps show breeding and wintering ranges. The illustrations show every species, main subspecies and most sex and age variations."

A Handbook to the Swallows and Martins of the World

Swallows & Martins: An Identification Guide and Handbook

Angela Turner

Helm Identification Guides

Helm

1988

"This book comprises chapters on the family's characteristics, classification, distribution, ecology, behaviour, breeding biology and population status, as well as a short account of each species. Each species account describes the field characteristics, habitat, distribution, movements, behaviour, breeding biology, voice, plumage, races and measurements of the 74 species that are included. Includes fine plates are by Chris Rose and two-colour distribution and breeding map."

Wildfowl: An Identification Guide to the Ducks, Geese and Swans of the World

Steve Madge and Hilary Burn

Helm

1988

"An identification guide that covers 154 species of duck, geese and swans of the world. The text includes discussion of identification techniques and plumage variations in addition to aspects of behavoir, conservation, distribution and status. Includes distribution maps. Includes 47 colour plates by Hilary Burn."

Shorebirds: An Identification Guide to the Waders of the World

John Marchant, A. J. Prater and Peter Hayman

1986 (revised 1991)

"The first comprehensive guide to all waders. Includes 211 species. There are individual descriptions of each species and 88 colour plates by Peter Hayman."

Seabirds: An Identification Guide

Peter Harrison

Helm

1983 (Revised 1991)

"The revised edition covers 312 species and contains full colour paintings of 1600 birds showing all major colour and plumage phases. The text has been updated to include recent research. There is an indivdual account of each species discussing colour variations within species and sub-species, flight, behaviour and distribution."