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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

The Common Eider

Chris Waltho, John Coulson

2015

"This monograph provides a comprehensive portrait of the Common Eider and the two other species in the genus, the King and Spectacled Eiders. Authors Chris Waltho and John Coulson bring together an extensive and diverse international literature, with sections on taxonomy, habitats, breeding biology, population dynamics, diet and foraging, dispersal and migration, and conservation."

The Barnacle Goose

Jeffrey M Black, Jouke Prop, Kjell Larsson

2014

"This book represents a culmination of more than 25 years of Barnacle Goose research. It represents the story of one of Europe's most celebrated long-term behavioral studies, detailing the lives of these social and sociable birds. Chapters include sections on pair formation and bonding, family and population dynamics, brood parasitism, food and feeding, size and shape in different populations, life cycle, survivorship, dispersal, migration, and conservation, with particular regard to climate change. It is a rigorous and thorough examination of the lives of these birds, in fine Poyser tradition."

The Teal

Matthieu Guillemain, Johan Elmberg

2014

"A flagship species for wetland conservation, the Teal is also an excellent model species for ecological research, and this forms the spine of this new Poyser monograph. The Teal looks at distribution and trends in numbers, foraging ecology, breeding behaviour, population dynamics, management and conservation of teal, looking at both the Eurasian Common Teal and its North American equivalent, the Green-winged Teal (which until relatively recently was considered to be the same species). The book provides a scientifically robust account on which wetland managers, research scientists and the ornithological community may rely, with wider implicatons for the conservation and management of other waterfowl, and for ecological research in general."

Feasting, Fowling and Feathers: A History of the Exploitation of Wild Birds

Michael Shrubb

2013

"The way wild birds have been exploited over the centuries forms the focus of this remarkable new book by Michael Shrubb. It looks at the use of birds as food, for feathers and skins, for eggs, as cage birds, as specimens and for hunting, focusing on Britain, northern Europe and the North Atlantic. Never before has a book brought the huge amount of information on these topics in the academic literature together under one cover."

The Mandarin Duck

Christopher Lever

2013

"The Mandarin Duck is a small and (in the case of the males) spectacularly colourful species of waterfowl. Widely kept in aviaries around the world, populations often escaped to form wild colonies. One of the largest and best-studied is in southern England. Although declining and nowadays surprisingly hard to find, Britain's wild Mandarin population is probably more numerous than that of the duck's true home, China and the Russian Far East, where it is now endangered. This Poyser monograph is a detailed account of this beautiful duck's lifestyle and biology, with particular emphasis on invasive populations in Britain and overseas."

The Snowy Owl

Eugene Potapov & Richard Sale

Poyser

2013

"The Snowy Owl - possibly the world's sexiest bird - needs little introduction. This massive white owl breeds throughout the Arctic, wherever there are voles or lemmings to hunt, from Scandinavia through northern Russia to Canada and Greenland. Southerly movements in winter see North American birds travel as far south as the northern United States, while infrequent vagrants on the Shetlands and other northern isles are a magnet for birders. The Snowy Owl gives this popular bird the full Poyser treatment, with sections on morphology, distribution, palaeontology and evolution, habitat, breeding, diet, population dynamics, movements, interspecific relationships and conservation, supported by some fabulous photography. A major strength is the availability to the authors of Russian literature, which is generally out of reach for Western scientists."

The Kittiwake

John Coulson

Poyser

2011

"Returning to its breeding sites in the spring after a winter spent far out at sea, the Kittiwake is a familiar sight around the coasts of Britain and Europe. A pale, medium-sized gull with a 'gentle' expression and bright yellow bill, the Kittiwake has been the subject of behavioural research since the late 1950s - one of the longest running studies in the world. In this Poyser Monograph, John Coulson summarises these decades of research, revealing amazing insights into the life of these gulls, with wider implications for the behavioural ecology of all colonial birds. There are sections on life at sea, nest-site selection, breeding biology, feeding ecology, colony dynamics, moult, survivorship and conservation. This book is essential for academics working on colonial species, and is also of great interest to birders who want to learn more about these elegant cliff-dwelling birds."

The Puffin

Mike P. Harris & Sarah Wanless

Poyser

2011

"The Puffin is a revised and expanded second edition of Poyser's 1984 title on these endearing birds, widely considered to be a Poyser classic. It includes sections on their affinities, nesting and incubation, movements, foraging ecology, survivorship, predation, and research methodology; particular attention is paid to conservation, with the species considered an important ‘indicator' of the health of our coasts."

Avian Survivors: The Biogeography of Palearctic Birds

Clive Finlayson

2011

"Using a fresh approach that classifies birds according to their bioclimatic characteristics, Clive Finlayson views the history and distribution of Palearctic birds from a radical new angle. History and chance events play a central role in a story that has its origins before the asteroid impact that finished off the dinosaurs. In this book, Finlayson shows that the avifauna of the Palearctic long predates the glaciations of the last two million years, and had established itself gradually during the turbulent times of the Miocene and Pliocene, the lifting of Tibet and the drying of the continents having a major influence on these birds. Those that made it to the start of the glaciations were equipped to deal with whatever the climate could throw at them. They were the avian survivors, and they are still here with us today. Packed with figures and with a rich colour section, Avian Survivors tells the definitive story of the birds of the Palearctic, across space and time."

Bird Observatories of Britain and Ireland

M. Archer, M. Grantham, P. Howlett and S. Stansfield

Poyser

2010

"Bird observatories are research stations established mainly for the study of migration, particularly by means of ringing. There are now 20 scattered around the British Isles at key points on migration routes, on coastal promontories or small islands. Part of their attraction is the regular occurrence of rarities that are found each year at these observatories. Written by wardens and ringers from each location, Bird Observatories of the British Isles is a timely new edition of one of the earliest Poyser titles. It includes detailed coverage of the history, location, habitats and ornithological interest of each observatory, including summaries and tables of noteworthy events."

The Golden Eagle (2nd Edition)

Jeff Watson

Poyser

2010

"This comprehensive monograph is a second edition of one of the most popular Poyser monographs; it covers all aspects of this spectacular eagle's biology and ecology, including a full review of the literature and incorporating the considerable body of research on the species since the publication of the first edition in 1997. The late Jeff Watson was one of Scotland's foremost eagle experts, with more than 20 years of research on the birds; following Jeff's untimely death, the book is being completed by his colleagues Des Thompson and Helen Riley. Scottish studies provide the foundation for a treatment that also includes up-to-date information from work in North America, continental Europe and elsewhere. This global view allows fascinating insights into the species' relationships with a variety of different habitats and leads to many new and important conclusions regarding its ecology. This highly readable and authoritative account is destined to become the standard reference on the species, both in Scotland and elsewhere in the world. The text is enriched with many superb pictures of this majestic bird and additional wash landscapes capture the very special atmosphere of Scotland's Golden Eagle country."

The Golden Oriole

Jack Allsop, Paul Mason

Poyser

2008

"One of Britain's rarest breeding birds, the Golden Oriole is also one of its most charismatic. Females are a vivid green, while the males of this species are a stunning yellow and black, with an extraordinary and unforgettable song. A long-distance migrant, the orioles return to breed in early May at just a few sites, almost all of which are in Suffolk. Jake Allsop and Paul Mason's The Golden Oriole looks in detail at the biology of this spectacular species, with sections on breeding biology, feeding ecology, evolution, population dynamics, mimicry, migration and conservation, as well as a discussion of the biology of other species in the genus. A colour section showcases this photogenic species to full effect, complemented by high-quality black-and-white illustrations throughout. The fascinating history of the bird's distribution is also covered extensively, stemming from the authors' first-hand experience of the battle to help the species retain a toehold in Britain."

The Greater Flamingo

Alan Johnson / Frank C. Cezilly

2008

"With their curious feeding behaviour, peculiar elongated body, gregarious social lives and exotic pink plumage, flamingos are among the most familiar and popular of all the world's birds. They have inspired artists, poets and amateur naturalists for centuries, but until 50 years ago very little was known about their biology. A growing number of scientists have directed their attention to these magnificent birds over recent years; this book summarises current understanding of flamingo biology, with detailed discussion of population dynamics, ecology, movements, feeding, breeding biology and conservation, with emphasis placed on the authors' work on the famous population of Greater Flamingos in the Camargue region of southern France. There is also a detailed guide to breeding areas, and an outline of future challenges for research."

The Lapwing

Michael Shrubb

Poyser

2007

"With its striking green-black and white plumage and distinctive pee-wit call, the Lapwing is one of Britain's best-known birds. Lapwings depend on agricultural land to breed and are considered a barometer of the health of this habitat; the population has crashed over recent decades, partly due to changes in farming practices. In winter, Lapwings switch to coastal areas and to wetlands, including those in suburban areas, where large, noisy flocks can gather. Michael Shrubb's The Lapwing is a concise yet authoritative monograph of this popular species; a thorough review of Lapwing biology contains sections on population dynamics, feeding ecology, habitat use, migration, and conservation; there is an impressively detailed review of our current understanding of breeding biology, plus discussion of some other species in the genus."

The Lost Land of the Dodo

Anthony Checke

Poyser

2007

"The Mascarene islands, Mauritius, Reunion and Rodrigues, were once home to an extraordinary range of birds and reptiles. Evolving in the absence of mammalian predators or competitors, amazing forms such as giant tortoises, burrowing boas, flightless owls and herons, giant parrots, and, of course, the Dodo, dominated the land. Colonisation by European settlers led to dramatic changes in the ecology of the islands; the birds and tortoises were slaughtered indiscriminately while introduced pigs and monkeys destroyed their eggs, and the once-extensive forests were logged. A now-familiar emblem of extinction, the Dodo was gone within 60 years of the colonisation of its home, Mauritius, and over the next 150 years most of the Mascarene's other native vertebrates followed suit. The product of a lifetime of research by Anthony Cheke, "Lost Land of the Dodo" provides a comprehensive yet hugely enjoyable account of the story of the islands' ecology. The book is richly illustrated with maps and contemporary illustrations of the animals and plants, many of which have not been reproduced for hundreds of years….while Julian Hume's superb colour plates bring many of the extinct birds to life."

Bewick's Swan

Eileen Rees

Poyser

2006

A study of the Bewick's Swan. Subjects covered in this detailed work include population and distribution, breeding biology, wintering behaviour, food and feeding ecology, taxonomy and phylogeny, migration, and conservation. Personal recollections from a lifetime of study weave through the narrative.

The Goshawk

Robert Kenward

Poyser

2006

An authoritative yet highly readable monograph of the species. It includes chapters on nomenclature, races and morphs, biometrics, nesting, incubation and chick-rearing, migration, feeding ecology, population dynamics, and conservation, punctuated throughout with illuminating tales from author Robert Kenward's extensive field research. The book is packed with illustrations, figures and maps, and contains a selection of the author's superb photographs of the birds.

The Barn Swallow

Angela Turner

Poyser

2006

"This book examines all aspects of the life of this endearing bird, with chapters on its flying skills and feeding habits, mate choice, breeding strategies, nest sites, eggs and incubation, nestling rearing, productivity and survival, migratory behaviour and population dynamics. It also considers changes in populations and behaviour in relation to intensive agriculture and climate change. "The Barn Swallow" is both engaging and authoritative; birdwatchers will enjoy amazing insights into the life of the species, such as the importance of tail feathers when finding a mate, or the sinister way that some birds kill of the chicks of rivals. Academic scholars will appreciate the book's broad overview of current research on this species."

Birds New to Britain 1980-2004

Adrian Pitches & Tim Cleeves

2005

Since 1980, a total of 76 bird species have been found for the first time in Britain. Each individual, although hopelessly lost and quite possibly doomed, has brought birding celebrity for its finder, and a swarm of admirers to view the bird itself. This new book is the successor to Birds New to Britain and Ireland by Sharrock and Grant (Poyser, 1982), which covered the new birds discovered between 1958 and 1980. The accounts of each new bird's finder are reproduced from their original sources (mainly from British Birds and Birding World). This is fascinating reading for everyone who has an interest in migration and vagrancy, has made the journey to see any of the birds concerned, or has ever dreamed of finding a 'first' of their own.

The Gyrfalcon

Richard Sale and Eugene Potapov

2005

"This book is the first monograph on one of the most beautiful and admired birds in the world. The Gyrfalcon is the world's largest and most powerful falcon - a truly awe-inspiring bird which inhabits the ferociously inhospitable Arctic taiga, from Greenland and Iceland right across Siberia and northern Canada. Its plumage varies from a dark mottled grey to pure white - the white birds in particular are coveted by birders and falconers. Like other titles in the series, it covers all aspects of the species' biology, taxonomy, distribution, status and historical associations with mankind. The result is an exhaustively researched and enthrallingly readable biography of a spectacular bird, illustrated throughout with photographs and line drawings."

Naturalised Birds of the World

Christopher Lever

Poyser

2005

"This book looks at the world's naturalised (successfully introduced) species of bird. Many species have been introduced to countries outside their natural range by people, either deliberately or accidentally, with varied consequences for both those species themselves and the native fauna of their 'new' homes. In Britain, the introduced Canada Goose has quickly become ubiquitous at every lake and riverside, while the Golden Pheasant remains a scarce and unobtrusive inhabitant of a few scattered, remote woodlands. The House Sparrow and Common Starling, both in decline over parts of their native range, are thriving in a naturalised state in North America and elsewhere in the world. Naturalised populations of Mallard in various parts of the world are threatening a total of seven other duck species with extinction through hybridisation. This book discusses each species in turn, describing how, why, when and where its introduction took place, how it became established, and the ecological and economic impacts its presence has had in the country or countries it is naturalised in. Each account has a map, showing natural and introduced range, and there is a wealth of beautiful line drawings of the species concerned."

Lapland: A Natural History

Derek Ratcliffe

Poyser

2005

"Looks at the flora and fauna of Lapland, that area of northern Europe and northwestern Russia which lies within the Arctic circle. It examines the ecosystems and species by habitat type, with one chapter dealing with freshwater habitats, another with open tundra and so on. Conservation issues affecting it today are also discussed."

Seabirds: A Natural History

Tony Gaston

2004

"This title takes an in-depth look at the lives of the world's true seabirds - the penguins, tubenoses, peleceaniids, gulls, terns, skuas and auks. These birds all spend much of their lives foraging at sea, but the range of ways that they are adapted to exploit the marine environment and balance this with the need to return to land to breed, is astoundingly diverse. They range from the albatrosses, which take their prey from the surface of the water and are capable of efficient gliding flight for hours on end, to the penguins which have dispensed with flight altogether and have developed a morphology and physiology which enables them to dive deeper and for longer than any other birds. The various problems of being a bird which forages at sea, and the array of solutions evolution has produced to counter them are the theme of this book, which should fascinate everyone with an interest in pelagic birds."

Seabird Populations in Britain and Ireland

Ian Mitchell, Stephen Newton, Norman Ratcliffe, Timothy E. Dunn

2004

"A summary of the findings of the 'Seabird 2000' national initiative to carry out a census on all the breeding seabirds of Britain and Ireland, this study includes accounts of the current numbers and distribution of 25 different species."

The Skylark

Paul Donald

Poyser

2004

This book looks at all aspects of the life of the Skylark, from its biology, migratory patterns, breeding behaviour and habitat requirements, to its role in legend and folklore. It also discusses its recent rapid decline which has led to the species being placed on the top-priority "red list" of Birds of Conservation Concern by the leading governmental and non-governmental conservation organizations in the UK. Three closely related species; Oriental and Japanese Skylarks and the enigmatic Raso Lark are also discussed.

The Whooper Swan

Mark Brazil

Poyser

2003

This book is an in-depth study at the Whooper Swan, investigating its biology, migratory habits, courtship and breeding behaviour. Also includes a section that examines the role of the bird in the folklore and legend of the countries where it occurs.

The Penguins

Lloyd S. Davies and Martin Renner

Poyser

2003

This book looks at all aspects of penguin evolution, biology, ecology and sociobiology, as well as conservation issues affecting the group. It is illustrated with line drawings and colour and black and white photographs.

Weather and Bird Behaviour

Norman Elkins

Poyser

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."

Red Data Birds in Britain

L.A. Batten, C.J. Bibby, P. Clement, G.D. Elliot and R.F. Porter

Poyser

2002

"The various Red Data Books prepared by the IUCN and ICBP have set the standards for recognizing birds close to, or at risk of extinction worldwide. This book, by focusing on vulnerable species living in or visiting Britain, sets out to define the British situation and to clearly establish both the importance of British populations and our own responsibilities for contributing to bird conservation. Compiled by an editorial team drawn from the Nature Conservancy Council and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, it identifies 117 species which demand care and attention. Obviously it includes species which breed in or visit Britain in small numbers and whose populations are threatened by natural or man-made circumstances. However, it also deals with birds which are common or numerous but which, due to their localized distribution worldwide, have the greater part of their European populations in British sites. Each of the species accounts provides up-to-date information on current populations, basic ecology, threats to the species and the legal protection and conservation measures now in force. General chapters deal with the state of Britain's various habitats, legal matters and conservation action for the future."

The Bird Collectors

Barbara Mearns and Richard Mearns

Poyser

2002

"This book examines the history and uses of bird skin collections and the many colorful explorers involved in their development. It is the first and only treatment of the subject, and appeals to a worldwide audience. The book covers all parts of the world, with particular focus on Europe, USA, and Africa. The Bird Collectors contains more than 160 period photographs, many never before published, showing famous collectors and ornithological expeditions."

Cuckoos, Cowbirds and Other Cheats

N.B. Davies

Poyser

2000

"In this fascinating new book, Nick Davies describes the natural histories of these brood parasites and examines many of the exciting questions they raise about the evolution of cheating and the arms race between parasites and their prey. Brood parasites fill their armory with adaptations including exquisite egg mimicry, rapid laying, ejection of host eggs, murder of host young, chick mimicry and manipulative begging behavior: ploys shown by recent research to have evolved in response to host defense behavior or through competition among the parasites themselves. While many host species appear defenseless, accepting parasite eggs quite unlike their own, many are more discriminating against odd-looking eggs and some have evolved the ability to discriminate against odd-looking chicks as well. How is this arms race conducted? Will defenseless hosts develop defenses in time, or are there constraints which limit the evolution and perfection of host defenses? And why are so few species obliged only to lay eggs in host nests? Have host defenses limited the success of brood parasitism, or is it in fact much more common than we suspect, but occurring mainly when birds parasitize the nest of their own kind? All of these puzzles are examined in descriptions of the natural history of each of the groups of parasites in turn. Here, is a book with wide appeal, both to amateur naturalists fascinated by this most singular and macabre of behaviors and to ornithologists and ecologists interested in the evolution of ecology and behavior. The story takes us from the classic field work earlier this century by pioneer ornithologists such as Edgar Chance, Stuart Baker, Herbert Friedmann and others, through to the recent experimental field work and molecular techniques of today's leading scientists. We visit brood parasites in Europe, Asia, Japan, Africa, Australasia, and North and South America, to look at some of the worlds most interesting birds and some of biology's most interesting questions, many of which still beg answers from ornithologists in the future."

Tundra Plovers: The Eurasian, Pacific and American Golden Plovers and Grey Plover

Ingvar Byrkjedal and Des Thompson

Poyser

1998

"This text presents the tundra plovers, comprising of the grey plover and the Eurasian, Pacific, and American golden plovers. Breeding on tundra or northern heaths and moorland, they migrate far south to coastal mudflats, saltings and agricultural landscapes. The text examines the taxonomy, appearance, behaviour, ecology and conservation of golden and grey plovers, and compares and contrasts their natural history and biogeography. It also gives accounts on all aspects of their lifestyle including feeding, mating, parental care, moults, migration and avoidance of predators."

The Raptors of Europe & Middle East

Dick Forsman

1998 (Revised 2003)

"This book presents the most complete and up-to-date guide for the recognition of the diurnal raptors of Europe and the Middle East. More than 700 high quality color photographs have been specifically chosen to demonstrate the plumage of each age and sex class of every species found in Europe and the Middle East. The photographs are complemented by almost 100 line drawings focusing on particular identification details, and are backed up by a detailed text enabling birdwatchers to recognize even the most difficult species. The latest information, much of it previously unpublished, describes the plumage and soft part coloration of each category of bird, and compares and contrasts with similar plumages of species which may cause confusion. The book discusses the difficulties caused by stage of moult, variation in light conditions, and changes in silhouette arising from different flight types. Fully referenced with a list of nearly 300 key papers and articles, this book is an essential reference to the field identification of every species, age, and sex class of raptors."

The Nuthatches

Erik Matthysen

Poyser

1998

This book focuses primarily on the European Nuthatch (Sitta europaea) but also provides comparative information on the other species. The contents are: introducing the nuthatches; the Eurasian Nuthatch: taxonomy, morphology and moult; habitat and population densities; foraging; food and hoarding; the pair and its territory; breeding biology; finding a territory; dispersal and migration; population dynamics; Nuthatches in forest fragments; Nuthatches of the world; the Mediterranean nuthatches; the Rock Nuthatches; Oriental Nuthatches and New World Nuthatches.

The Raven: A Natural History in Britain and Ireland

Derek Ratcliffe

Poyser

1997

This book presents a thorough summary of the current state of knowledge regarding the Raven's natural history, describing its present distribution, habitat requirements, calls, feeding habits, social behavior, and population centers. An emphasis is placed on the long association of the bird with humans, and useful comparisons of the Northern Hemisphere species are made. Includes colour illustrations and maps.

The Golden Eagle

Jeff Watson

Poyser

1997

A comprehensive covering all aspects of Golden Eagle biology and ecology. Main themes include an exploration of factors that limit Golden Eagle numbers and breeding performance, a review of eagle predation on livestock and a discussion of conservation issues. The work is based on research from around the world giving a global view of the species in a wide range of habitats.

Gulls: A Guide To Identification

P.J. Grant

Second edition

1997

Reprinted in 2010

"This second edition of Peter Grant's guide has been extensively revised and has been reset throughout. Importantly, a further eight species of gulls occurring on the west coasts of Canada and the USA have been added. The book now covers 31 species and has been increased in length from 280 to 352 pages. More than 280 new photographs have been added or substituted, bringing the total to 544, including 79 photographs for the eight North American additional species. The great increase in interest in gull identification since the publication of the first edition (and the author's series on that topic in British Birds) has helped bring much new information to light. As a result some revision was made to almost every text page and most of the identification drawings were improved in some way; in addition, changes were made to many of the distribution maps. These revisions and improvements were often quite minor, but others were substantial and important."

Rare Birds Day by Day

S. Dudley, T. Benton, P. Fraser and J.Ryan

Illustrations: David Nurney

1996

"This new and novel way of presenting rare bird data will prove fascinating to anyone with an interest in finding and watching rare migrant and vagrant species. It covers 282 rare species and sub-species found in Britain and Ireland with over 20,000 individual records of rare birds listed day by day in diary style. Each individual bird appears on the date it was originally found with records listed in country order together with the finding site, number of birds and length of stay. It will prove a valuable and fun tool for the keenest rarity hunters, enabling them to use the book as a rare bird predictor, by closely following the birds found on each date over the 36 years covered by the book."

The Dippers

Stephanie Tyler, Stephen Ormerod

Poyser

1994

"Territorial behaviour, breeding biology, diet, movements and population dynamics are all discussed in relation to the Dipper's adaptations to an aquatic lifestyle in environments coming under increasing pressure from man's current changes in land use."

Great Auk Island: A Field Biologist in the Arctic

T.R. Birkhead

Poyser

1993

"....describes the business of conducting biological studies on seabirds in remote parts of eastern Canada. Several themes are engagingly interwoven: the sheer beauty of the Arctic environment, the intriguing biology of its wildlife, and the discovery and exploitation of enormous seabird colonies, including the destruction of the Great Auk. Tim Birkhead describes in personal detail the different facets of research and brings to life both the difficulties and the excitement of working in the Arctic. What is it like setting up a camp for four months on a remote and uninhabited island not far from the North Pole? How does it feel to commute daily by inflatable boat amidst icebergs to study-areas located on towering cliffs, set between ice-blue glaciers? What do you do when a Polar bear decides that you have invaded its Arctic home? Why are the seabird colonies in the high Arctic so enormous? What do we know about lifestyle of the extinct Great Auk? In 1992 Canada's legendary cod fishery was finally destroyed - what are the consequences of this for other wildlife? These are just a few of the questions dealt with in this book."

Contents: Horizon Opening, Margins of the Universe, Nameless Days, The Lives of Great Auks, Labrador, Skouts, Skattocks and Strangers, Between Species in Labrador, The Fertile Sea, Changes.

In Search Of Sparrows

J. Denis Summers-Smith

Poyser

1992

"The author's monograph The Sparrows was highly praised for its coverage and content. This new work tells the other, human, story of his work. In it, the author describes his work on sparrows that lead up to the monograph, including detailed and at times amusing descriptions of his travels in four continents."

Birds of the Strait of Gibraltar

Clive Finlayson

Poyser

1992

Introductory chapters of this book describes the geography and climate of the area and discuss the migration patterns of the principle passage species including their origins, destinations and numbers, showing how weather and visibility affect their choice of route and timing of the crossing. Subsequent chapters describe the breeding and wintering bird communities.

The Ancient Murrelet: Natural History in the Queen Charlotte Islands

Anthony J. Gaston

Poyser

1992

A study of the Ancient Murrelet which breeds along the northern Pacific coast from British Columbia to Japan. Tony Gaston has carried out the only detailed study of the birds, and his work has revealed the complex social behaviour of the males and the species' response to the variety of predators they face, from Peregrines to Deer Mice.

The Pied Flycatcher

Arne Lundberg

Poyser

1992

"The Pied Flycatcher is one of Europe's best-studied species. The first detailed work on it was begun in the 1930s by German ornithologists, but it was Lars von Haartman's Finnish study that both established long-term research on the species and founded many of the central themes of modern ornithology. Soon after, in the late 1940s, Bruce Campbell set up an intensive project in southwest England, which also still runs to this day. Many other eminent ornithologists followed and in 1979 Arne Lundberg and Rauno Alatalo started their own work in Sweden, Finland and latterly the north of England. A Palaearctic migrant, the Pied Flycatcher is notable for its very variable male plumage and complex territorial and polygynous breeding system. They take readily to nest boxes and have provided excellent opportunities for the study of a wide range of biological problems. This broad review of the species provides not only a detailed biology of this fascinating little bird, but a commentary on many of the most interesting problems in bird behaviour and ecology."

The Pinyon Jay

John M. Marzluff and Russell P. Balda

Poyser

1992

This book describes the biology and lifestyle of the Pinyon Jay and discusses the bird in the wider context of studies on bird ecology and evolution.

The Ruff

Johan G.Van Rhijn

Poyser

1991

This book explores the complex and intricate breeding behaviour of the Ruff, both to lay bare the details of life of the species, and to provide a means of exploring the wider variety of wader breeding systems. Strands of evidence for all aspects of the ruff's life, in and out of the breeding season, come together to give an insight into this important area of biology.

Herons of Europe

Claire Voisin

Poyser

1991

This book has an introductory section providing a general description of the Heron family. Subsequent section give details of the nine species that are resident in Europe (Bittern, Little Bittern, Night Heron, Squacco Heron, Cattle Egret, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Little Egret and Great White Egret). The species accounts cover topics such as field characters, distribution, population size, breeding and feeding ecology and behaviour. There are colour and black and white pictures of each species and line drawings showing characteristic behaviour.

The Magpies: The Ecology and Behaviour of Black-billed and Yellow-billed Magpies

Tim Birkhead

Poyser

1991

This book deals with the Black-billed Magpie, which occurs throughout much of the Northern Hemisphere, and the Yellow-billed Magpie, which is confined to California. The author compares both species, and also the many different races, and reveals that through their remarkably flexible social behaviour magpies are able to exploit a diversity of habitats, from desert to farmland. The book covers many aspects of their lives including relationships, food hoarding behaviour, longevity and survival, nesting, breeding success, and their relationship with man.

The Status of Seabirds in Britain & Ireland

C.Lloyd,M.L.Tasker and K.Partridge

Poyser

1991

"This book presents the most up to date information available on these seabird populations, their numbers and distributions, and their changing fortunes in recent years. The surveys of Operations Seafarer, carried out in 1969 and 1970 provided a baseline for future work which led to the establishment of the Seabird Colony Register by the Seabird Group and the Nature Conservancy Council. The result and analysis of their counts during 1985 to 1987 form the basis for this book. Improved census methodology and a new computerized data base set the standards for seabird monitoring in future decades. The book begins by describing the general biology and population trends of British seabirds and goes on to assess the results and to analyze each of the 24 breeding species in detail. Full descriptions of the counting methods and the estimating factors used provide guidelines for future surveys not only in Britain, but whenever seabirds are of interest and importance."

In Search of Arctic Birds

Richard Vaughan

Poyser

1991

The introduction of this book gives an overview of the Arctic and the forces that shape its bird populations and their biology. This is followed by chapters on the Innuit people, the whaling and discovery ships and the famous ornithologists who have investigated the area. Particular birds discussed in detail include the Gyrfalcon, Knots, Ross's Gull, geese, divers and Snowy Owls. The book also provides practical advice on visiting the Arctic.

Birds and Forestry

Mark Avery and Roderick Leslie

Poyser

1990

This book examines the issues surrounding the conflict between forestry and nature conservation.

Birds by Night

Graham Martin

Poyser

1990

"An investigation of the complex relationship between nocturnal birds and the particular environment that they inhabit from dusk to dawn. The survey covers not only the activities of owls and other nocturnal birds but also species which are only occasionally nocturnal, together with those which are primarily diurnal in habit. The special case of cave dwelling birds is also considered. The study of nocturnality in birds encompasses field ornithology, sensory science, ecology and physics, and involves comparisons of the sensory capacities of other animal species, including man, to respond to the night world. In weaving together the relevance of these various disciplines the author achieves an insight into the sensory problems posed by a nocturnal life style and the strategies and specialization which have evolved in response."

Man and Wildfowl

Janet Kear

1990

"The involvement of humans with ducks, geese and swans has probably been closer than with any other group of birds, today and for several millenia past. This involvement, in its many aspects, is the theme of this compelling and readable account by an Assistant Director of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. Dr Kear ranges widely, from a summary of the taxonomy and natural history of wildfowl, through a history of domestication world wide, to wildfowling, decoys, conservation and captive breeding, conflicts with agriculture, and wildfowl in legend and literature. Throughout, the text abounds with little-known facts and insights to intrigue the general reader and expert alike – a reflection of the author's wide reading and affection for her subject."

The Manx Shearwater

Michael Brooke

Jacket painting: Peter Harrison

Poyser

1990

"For the better part of 17 years Michael Brooke has studied Manx Shearwaters at their Atlantic colonies. A number of expeditions have also enabled him to investigate at first hand other shearwater and petrel species in many isolated parts of the world. In this book he describes the fruits of his own and other research, synthesizing a wealth of data for the scientist and amateur alike. The breeding biology, vocal behaviour, transequatorial migrations and population dynamics of the bird are described in detail and comparisons are drawn with other shearwaters and petrels, to show how the various species have adapted to local conditions worldwide. Delightful vignettes by Dafila Scott complete this enthralling book."

The Kestrel

Andrew Village

Poyser

1990

This book examines many aspects of the Kestrel's life with emphasis on breeding performance, population densities, and age and sex ratios.

The Hawaiian Goose: An Experiment in Conservation

Janet Kear and Andrew Berger

1990

An account of the near extinction and subsequent captive breeding and restoration of the Hawaiian Goose, or Nene.