On this page

The books are listed by publication date by date of publication with the most recent publications at the top of the page.

Poyser have published ornithology books since the early 1970's. Poyser is currently an imprint of the publishers A. C. Black.

There are a number of Poyser pages on the site

Poyser monographs 90's/00's

Poyser atlases

Country Avifaunas

Birds Of Africa series

Poyser Natural History

Other Poyser publications

Rare Birds in Britain & Ireland

J.N. Dymond, P.A. Fraser, and S.J. Gantlett

Poyser

1989

A study of more than 300 species of scarce and rare birds that were recorded in Britain and Ireland between 1958 and 1985. Additional rarities from outside this period are also listed. The book succeeds two earlier Poyser publications; Scarce Migrant Birds in Britain and Ireland (Sharrock 1974) and Rare birds in Britain and Ireland (Sharrock 1976).

The Sparrows: A Study Of The Genus Passer

J. Denis Summers-Smith

Poyser

1988

A guide to the 20 species of true Sparrows. Includes line drawings, colour plates and distribution maps.

Birds and Berries: A Study of an Ecological Interaction

Barbara Snow and David Snow

Poyser

1988

A study of the relationship between birds and the plant world. The first section of the book discusses the fruits. The second part focuses on the birds. The final part investigates strategies and adaptations that define the relationship between the birds and the fruit.

The Skuas

Robert W. Furness

Poyser

1987

"Many birdwatchers may never have seen a Skua; those who have will most probably have vivid memories of one or other species flying powerfully past a headland or twisting and diving in pursuit of its piratical intentions towards a food-laden seabird-or, perhaps more memorable still, of themselves taking evasive action from the power-diving irate Skua whose territory they have unwisely invaded. The full classification of the Skuas is still debated, but Dr Furness of the Applied Ornithology Unit, Glasgow University, favours six species, of two genera, with five sub-species, based on current knowledge of his own long and dedicated field studies and research."

The Sparrowhawk

Ian Newton

Poyser

1986

This book is based on the study of many individual Sparrowhawks during a 14 year period in South West Scotland.

Waders: Their Breeding, Haunts and Watchers

Desmond Nethersole-Thompson and Maimie Nethersole-Thompson

Poyser

1986

"The core of this book is the comprehensive accounts of the biology and behaviour of 18 species of waders in their breeding haunts. In addition there are chapters on waders generally, wader spacing and dispersion, the wader watchers of past and recent times, and two final chapters on new or returning waders and those pipe dream species that, not too fancifully, may yet breed one day in these islands. Voice is one of the headings within the species accounts but there is also an appendix of sonagrams of wader songs and calls; there are tables of data and an extensive, selected bibliography." From inside flap of book

A Dictionary of Birds

Editors: B. Campbell and E. Lack

Published for The British Ornithologists Union

1985

A Dictionary of Birds contains contributions from over 280 ornithologists and other specialists from around the world. Major, authoritative articles cover the field of modern ornithology and related subjects. In addition there are articles on all the bird families, almost all of which are illustrated by a representative species. There are also numerous short entries defining special terms, application of names, etc. The text of over 800,000 words is supported by more than 500 photographs, drawings and diagrams.

The Puffin

M.P. Harris

Poyser

1984

A monograph on Fratercula arctica, the Atlantic or Common Puffin. Contents are: The auks; The morphology of the Puffin; Distribution in Britain and Ireland; Monitoring of Puffin numbers; The Puffin outside Britain and Ireland; Breeding biology; Behavior; Puffins at colonies; Food and feeding; Growth of young; Predators, pirates and competitors; Man and Puffins; Migration, survival and winter at sea; and Factors influencing the numbers of Puffins. Includes drawings by Keith Brockie, 24 pages of photographs, distribution maps and other diagrams.

The Bee-Eaters

C.H. Fry

Poyser

1984

A study of the 24 species of Bee-eaters. Published in 1984 and reprinted in 1991. Includes species accounts and colour plates of all species and subspecies. General chapters include sections on evolutionary development, relationships with apiculture, and social and reproductive life.

Weather and Bird Behaviour

Norman Elkins

Poyser

1983 (3rd edition 2003)

This book discusses the various ways in which weather conditions influence bird behaviour. Weather conditions affect food and water availability, decisions about when and how to migrate, timing and success of reproduction, flight style and physical comfort. Birds display many adaptations in form and behaviour that help them to cope with changing weather conditions and this book uses a great variety of examples to explore the subject in depth.

Enjoying Ornithology

Editor: Ronald Hickling

Cover and title page illustrations: Robert Gillmor

Poyser

1983

"This year 1983,the British Trust for Ornithology celebrates its first fifty years and this volume records much of the history of birdwatching and ornithology since the early 1930s. This book is not a history of the BTO, but many of the trust's achievements helped fashion the development and direction of ornithology over the decades, and major aspects of the Trust's work rightly have detailed treatment. The book ranges widely, it looks at the changing bird as well as the changing birdwatcher and records the work of related conservation bodies, it considers the future and the past and includes an extensive section of useful facts and figures, whilst never loosing sight of the central theme which is the book's title." From the inside jacket.

Owls of Europe

Heimo Mikkola

Poyser

1983

A study that describes the 13 owls breeding in Europe plus 4 owls from areas surrounding the Mediterranean in North Africa and the Middle East. An introductory general section provides information on origins, taxonomy, anatomy and pellets. Individual species accounts includes detail on voice, behaviour, food, breeding and distribution. A final section discuss ecological relationships with other species. Includes colour plates, black & white photographs, sketches and distribution maps.

The Barn Owl

D.S. Bunn, A.B. Warburton & R.D.S. Wilson

Poyser

1982

"In the classic monograph mould, this study of Tyto alba is the product of almost 40 years field work by its authors and complementary observations by other dedicated ornithologists in Britain, the USA and Europe. The result is a detailed, balanced account based on intimate knowledge of the Barn Owl in varying habitats in Britain, comparing, as appropriate, this race's behaviour with that of sub-species in other areas of the world. There are major chapters on breeding and general behaviour, feeding, distribution, etc, but voice is rightly given a full treatment. The text is graced by Ian Willis's fine drawings and there are 31 photographs plus a colour frontispiece."

Gulls: A Guide To Identification

P.J. Grant

1982

This book is an enlarged and revised version of papers previously published in the journal British Birds Vols 71-74. A second edition was published in 1997.

Bird Habitats in Britain

R.J. Fuller

Poyser

1982

A description of the main habitat types in Britain and the bird communities associated with them. Includes over 50 drawings by Donald Watson, 100 diagrams and maps and 50 photographs.

Birds New to Britain and Ireland

J.T.R. Sharrock and P.J. Grant

Poyser

1982

"The 83 species featured in this book, in date sequence of discovery, had not been recorded in Britain or Ireland before 1946. The original accounts of the sightings published in issues of British Birds* between 1947 and 1982 are now reprinted and supplemented with comment by Dr Sharrock on subsequent occurrences and current status. In addition, Peter Grant provides identification notes drawing attention to points not covered in the original accounts. There is also a world distribution map for each species and a line illustration to head each of the accounts. At the end of the book a section of plates reproduces 81 'first-sighting' photographs covering 32 of the species in the book."

Estuary Birds of Britain and Ireland

A.J. Prater

Poyser

1981

"Estuaries are rightly of great interest and concern to the birdwatcher. Most teem with thousands of waders, geese, ducks, gulls and other species that use them at times throughout the year; they are also among the last of the wild places left in Britain and Europe. The ‘Birds of Estuaries Enquiry' (sponsored by the Nature Conservancy Council and organised by the BTO, RSPB and the Wildfowl Trust) spanned six years, and Tony Prater's report now provides a detailed insight into the birds which use and, in many cases, depend on this special habitat. Of great interest to birdwatchers, the book also will be essential reading for professional conservationists and all involved in the planning and use of estuaries. It assesses the importance of each estuary and the distribution and numbers of all species generally present, and by setting this in an international framework demonstrates the remarkable importance of the estuaries around these islands. Threats to the fabric of the landscape and its wildlife abound, and estuaries are not exempt. Barrage schemes, industrial and agricultural reclamations and many other pressures exist and are the subject of chapters which survey the situation, now and in the future. The text is graced by John Busby's accomplished and evocative drawings and there are numerous maps and diagrams as well as photographs of typical estuaries."

Birdwatcher's Dictionary

Peter Weaver

Poyser

1981

Reprint 2002

"The author defines more than 1100 words and terms in this illustrated dictionary for the birdwatcher. Its attraction for the relative novice is obvious but it is equally directed to experienced birdwatchers who will find succinct definitions of terms that are new to them and of others that they have understood none too well. Whatever the user's ornithological expertise the book will expand or confirm his or her knowledge and offer at the same time an absorbing and entertaining browse, as a good dictionary should. Among the appendices is a full list of species on the British and Irish List arranged in 'Voous Order' and with categories of status in Britain and Ireland."

The Peregrine Falcon

Derek A. Ratcliffe

Poyser

1980 (2nd edition 1993)

The first edition of The Peregrine Falcon was widely recognised as a classic of its kind, documenting not only the species' biology but the sad story of its decline due to the impact of pesticides. This extensively revised and enlarged second edition takes full account of important new developments in the story of this bird during the years since the first publication.

Contents: The Peregrine and Man; The Peregrine's Country; Population Trends; Distribution and Numbers; Food and Feeding Habits; Nesting Habitat; The Breeding Cycle; Movements and Migration; Breeding Density and Territory; Population Regulation and Dynamics; Ecological Relationships with Other Birds; The Pesticide Story; Other Enemies; Appearance, Form, And Geographical Variation; Conservation.

Greenshanks

Desmond Nethersole-Thompson

Poyser

1979

A 250 page monograph on the Greenshank. Based on over 40 years research. Includes black & white photographs, sketches, maps and colour plates by Donald Watson.

Population Ecology of Raptors

Ian Newton

Poyser

1979

"This work provides a synthesis of recently discovered facts concerning population regulation in raptors. The author details their social behaviour, their dispersion, numbers, movements, breeding, and mortality. He also deals with the effects of pesticides and other pollutants on raptors. Including all relevant material and information from around the world, this book provides a sound basis for further research and more effective conservation. Contents: Relationship Between the Sexes; Dispersion; Breeding Density; Winter Density; Problems Concerning Nest-Sites; Breeding Strategies; Breeding Rates; Behaviour in the Breeding Season; Fidelity to Breeding Areas; Movements; Mortality; Human Persecution; DDT and Other Organo-Chlorines; Other Pollutants and Pesticides; Conservation Management; Breeding from Captive Birds; Conclusions; Bibliography; Scientific Names of Raptors."

Wild Geese

M.A. Ogilvie

Poyser

1978

This book covers the geese of North America, Europe and Asia. There are detailed chapters on distribution, status and migration with migration and distribution maps. There are also chapters on classification, ecology, breeding, identification, exploitation and conservation. The identification chapter has sections on adult and first winter birds, downy young, plumage variants and voice, for each species and sub-species, as well as guidance on ageing and sexing geese in the field. Includes 16 colour identification plates by Carol Ogilvie.

The Gannet

Bryan Nelson

Poyser

1978

A study of gannets that gathers together the latest research in Europe and North America. There are also sections on boobies and African and Australasian gannets. Chapter contents include: plumage, shape, structure and voice; numbers and distribution; behaviour; ecology; the bird at sea; the gannet family and the order; the gannet and man.

Hen Harrier

Donald Watson

1977

The introductory section of this book provides information on the worldwide distribution of the harrier family. This is followed by detailed examination of the Hen Harrier in Europe and North America. This section includes information about its history and present status, hunting methods and prey selection, breeding cycle, migration and distribution. The final section is an account of the Hen Harrier in Donald Watson's study areas in Scotlands. The book includes the author's colour paintings, line drawings and reproductions from his field sketch books.

Bird Observatories In Britian & Ireland

Editor: Roger Durman

1976

An account of the history, function and present (1976) situation of the fourteen observatories in Britain & Ireland.

Rare Birds in Britain & Ireland

J T R Sharrock

Poyser

1976

This book covers 221 species. An updated version of this book (Rare Birds in Britain and Ireland: J.N. Dymond, P.A. Fraser, and S.J. Gantlett) was published by Poyser in 1989.

Flamingos

Editors: Janet Kear and Nicole Dupaix-Hall

1975

This book compiles papers from a symposium on Flamingos. Half the book is concerned with flamingos in the wild covering field studies and conservation issues. The other half of the book covers flamingos in captivity and is primarily concerned with the need to improve conditions.

Ducks of Britain & Europe

M A Ogilvie

Poyser

1975

This book covers 42 species or subspecies of ducks which occur in Europe, including 11 vagrants from North America or Asia. A large part of the study deals with identification providing detailed information about adult males and females, immature birds, eclipse males, and downy young. Includes colour plates and distribution maps.

Pine Crossbills: A Scottish Contribution

Desmond Nethersole-Thompson

Poyser

1975

"From this study and a quest for the true identity of the Speyside crossbills has emerged that all too rare book, a work of scholarship and research that is wholly readable, in which the author`s delight in his study subject becomes the reader`s too."

Watching Birds

James Fisher

Revision: Jim Flegg

Poyser

1974

"This revised edition of the late James Fisher's much praised Watching Birds is the work of Dr Jim Flegg, Director of the British Trust for Ornithology. In his Preface Dr Flegg writes: "It is a daunting task to revise the bird book on which you cut your teeth: it is the surest measure of the man who wrote it that what is needed, after thirty-odd years, is an updating and not a sweeping revision." Among James Fisher's deservedly popular writings Watching Birds was probably the most read and consulted. After several reprints (published by Penguin Books) he planned to re-write it, and it is wholly appropriate that the work should now be done by Dr Flegg who, like the original author, has done much to help arouse and stimulate a widening interest in watching and understanding the life and world of birds. It is an indication of that interest today that radio and TV programmes (in which Dr Flegg has frequently participated) have audiences of millions. Such numbers are hardly surprising since few leisure activities offer as effective or as gratifying an antidote to the pressures of modern life as birdwatching - and few can be as readily and inexpensively pursued at almost any time, anywhere. Watching Birds has been an introduction and an item of basic equipment to tens of thousands of birdwatchers in the past, and this new and revised edition is assured of an even wider audience."

Scarce Migrant Birds in Britain & Ireland

J T R Sharrock

Poyser

1974

"How many are seen? How regularly do they come? Where do they occur? When are they likely to be spotted? The above questions are authoritatively answered by the author, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, honorary secretary of the British Ornithologists' Union's Record Committee and of the Rare Breeding Birds Panel, joint convenor of the European Ornithological Atlas Committee, and a member of the British Birds Rarities Committee and of the Irish Records Panel. Dr Sharrock takes a ten-year period and investigates in detail all the records of a selection of birds which occur here as scarce migrants - birds from Europe, from Asia and from America. He considers their breeding and wintering ranges, and the patterns of their records in Britain and Ireland, and tries to determine, also ... Why do they visit us at all?"

Flight Identification of European Raptors

R.F. Porter, Ian Willis, Steen Christiensen, Bent Pors Nielsen

1974 (3rd ed 2002)

A guide to the identification of the 38 species of European Raptors in flight. The birds are presented in 7 group of species with similar characteristics. There are many photographs and line drawings highlighting specific details of identification.

Seventy Years Birdwatching

H. G. Alexander

Poyser

1974

A book about birdwatching, birdwatchers, the development of modern ornithology and birds.

Breeding Birds of Britain and Ireland

John Parslow

Poyser

1973

A historical summary of the status and distribution of all birds known to have bred in Britain and Ireland since 1800. Additional sections discuss extinctions, colonisations and fluctuations in breeding populations. The book is based on a series of papers by Parslow which appeared in the journal British Birds in the late 1960's.

The Natural History of Cape Clear Island

J T R Sharrock

Poyser

1973

An account of the flora and fauna, inhabitants and history of Cape Clear Island which is the second most southerly Irish island.

Birdwatchers' Year

Leo Batten, Jim Flegg, Jeremy Sorensen, Mike J Waring, Donald Watson and Malcolm Wright

Poyser

1973

Six birdwatchers describe their birdwatching activities through the course of a year.