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Other Poyser publications

Extinct Birds

Julian P. Hume

Featherstone Education

2nd edition

2017

"Extinct Birds was the first comprehensive review of the hundreds of the bird species and subspecies that have become extinct over the last 1,000 years of habitat degradation, over-hunting and rat introduction. It has become the standard text on this subject, covering both familiar icons of extinction as well as more obscure birds, some known from just one specimen or from travellers’ tales. This second edition is expanded to include dozens of new species, as more are constantly added to the list, either through extinction or through new subfossil discoveries. Extinct Birds is the result of decades of research into literature and museum drawers, as well as caves and subfossil deposits, which often reveal birds long-gone that disappeared without ever being recorded by scientists while they lived. From Greak Auks, Carolina Parakeets and Dodos to the amazing yet almost completely vanished bird radiations of Hawaii and New Zealand via rafts of extinction in the Pacific and elsewhere, this book is both a sumptuous reference and astounding testament to humanities devastating impact on wildlife."

Extinct Birds

Julian P. Hume & Michael Walters

Poyser

2012

"This is the first comprehensive review of the hundreds of bird species that have become extinct over the last 1,000 years of habitat degradation, over-hunting and rat introduction. Covering both familiar extinct birds and more obscure species, some known from just one specimen or from traveller's tales, the book also looks at hundreds of species from the subfossil record - birds that disappeared without ever being recorded. Julian Hume and Michael Walters recreate these lost birds in stunning detail, bringing together an up to date review of the literature for every species. From Great Auks, Carolina Parakeets and Dodos to the amazing yet completely vanished bird radiations of Hawaii and New Zealand, via rafts of extinctions in the Pacific and elsewhere, this book is both a sumptuous reference and a terrifying reminder of humanity's impact on birds."

Facing Extinction: The World's Rarest Birds and the Race to Save Them

Paul Donald / Nigel Collar / Stuart Marsden / Debbie Pain

Poyser

2010

"Almost two hundred species of birds have become extinct in the past 400 years, and a similar number today are in imminent danger of following them. The world's conservationists are leading the fight to prevent the demise of these remaining critically endangered birds, with a fair degree of success. This new book examines the process and issues concerning extinction - how and why it happens and what can be done about it. Whilst man is to blame for many of the causes, such as persecution and habitat loss, species have become extinct on a regular basis since life began. After several thought-provoking introductory chapters, the book showcases about 20 species on the brink of extinction from around the world and describes the work that is being undertaken to save them."

Birdwatchers' Year

Leo Batten / Jim Flegg / Jeremy / Donald Watson / Mike J. Wareing / Malcolm Wright

2010

"Birdwatchers' Year is, in essence, six 'years' of bird activity and behaviour as recorded, month by month, by six experienced bird watchers and ornithologists. The result is a fascinating compilation of fact, anecdote and general observation as seen and noted by the authors, that will appeal to birdwatchers at all levels of expertise. The habitats (Brent Reservoir in NW London, a Kentish woodland, the Ouse Washes in Cambridgeshire, farmland in Derbyshire, a mountain region of SW Scotland, and an island, the Calf of Man) encompass a wide and varied range of breeding, resident and passage birds, but the authors' observations are not confined to bird life alone - there are comments and 'asides' on many aspects of natural history and wildlife, weather and seasons, conservation and ecology. Each author has brought an individual approach to his 'diary' with the result that they are entertainingly diverse in style, content and viewpoint. The common factor throughout is an affectionate regard for the subject, an intimate knowledge of the habitat, and an evident understanding and knowledge of the birds and their environment."

The Birdwatchers' Dictionary

Peter Weaver

2010

"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."

Audubon to Xantus: The Lives of Those Commemorated in North American Bird Names

B. Mearns and R. Mearns

2003

"In this book, Barbara and Richard Mearns continue their research into the people behind the names started in their previous book on the European eponyms, biographies for birdwatchers. The 98 people commemorated in the current English and Latin names of birds in the American Ornithologists' Union checklist are a fascinating assembly. Travellers, explorers, collectors, museum taxonomists as well as their wives, daughters and mentors have all been immortalized in the bird names we use today. Although their claims to fame are diverse and capriciously determined by the chance and fashion of a developing taxonomy, they are as good a snapshot as any of the history of a new nation's study of birds. The Mearns' extensive research into archives in the Americas and elsewhere have unearthed the achievements of virtually all of those concerned and provided contemporary portraits of the great majority. Acquaintance with this motley gallery of people cannot help but enrich the experience of seeing the new species or of spotting an old friend at one's regular birding patch. The birds themselves are not forgotten either. A wonderful collection of over 120 species is pictured in the beautiful art of Dana Gardner. Following the style and format of biographies for birdwatchers, this new volume is dedicated to over 130 birds of America, North of Mexico. Ninety-eight biographies are presented including Steller (jay, eider, eagle), Audubon (shearwater, oriole), Baird (sandpiper, sparrow), Swainson (hawk, thrush, warbler) and Wilson (sex species?). Each biography includes delightful drawings of the eponymous species by Dana Gardner and in almost all cases, a contemporary portrait of the persons concerned."

Hummingbirds of North America: The Photographic Guide

Steve N.G. Howell

2003

"This book is the first ever, comprehensive photographic guide to the identification of all 24 species of hummingbirds to be seen as breeders or vagrants in North America. For all their startling colors, the speed of hummingbird flight and the often drab coloration of females and immatures make this group especially difficult to deal with in the field. The simple field marks are often poorly lit, hard to spot, or simply not shown by any particular individual under observation. But accurate identification of these popular and beautiful birds brings both real satisfaction and a welcome challenge to most birders. Steve Howell, a well-known and respected bird tour leader and author, has made a particular study of the finer points of hummingbird recognition and has specially chosen over 200 stunning photographs to complement the information given in his text. Some species feature as many as 14 photographs each. A detailed introduction covers the basics of hummingbird anatomy and plumage variation, allowing the observer to effectively focus on points that are of value in the field. New field marks are provided and old myths dispelled in this ground breaking and essential new guide."

Farming and Birds in Europe: Common Agricultural Policy and Its Implications for Bird Conservation

Editor: Deborah J. Pain and Michael W. Pienkowski

2002

"In this book an international cast of authors highlight all aspects of the problems associated with farming and bird conservation. Discussion ranges from the socio-political pressures on farm policy to the effects of management on a variety of bird species throughout the more and less developed parts of the European Union. Potential changes in the Common Agricultural Policy are considered in terms of how they have been and can be tailored to benefit birds and wildlife through such initiatives as the new Agri-Environment Regulation. Farming and Birds in Europe addresses the need for policy efforts to focus on both the concerns of conservation and sensible farm production in a timely manner."

Sparrows of the United States and Canada: The Photographic Guide

Editor: James D. Rising

Poyser / AP Natural World

2001

"This companion volume to the previous "Guide to the Identification and Natural History of the Sparrows of the United States and Canada" takes sparrow identification one step further. The authors have gathered a selection of over 350 photographs as a basis for the identification of all 64 taxa of emberizine sparrows found in the region. The supporting text gives detailed information on the identification of species, sexes, ages, races, and forms of all the sparrows, towhees, juncos, buntings and longspurs, grassquits and seedeaters, as well as information on their distribution, habits, habitats, molt, and voice. Particular attention is paid to the geographic variation found in many species and to comparisons with similar and confusing species. The conservation status of those that are threatened is also given due attention. The photographs have been chosen specifically to illustrate the identification pointers described in the text."

The Birds of Israel

Editor: Hadoram Shirihai

1996

"Situated on one of the major Palearctic-African migration routes, Israel is an area of tremendous interest to ornithologists. This book is the most complete, up-to-date reference on bird distribution in, and migration through, Israel, compiled by a foremost authority. The book especially distinguishes those subspecies found in Israel, and includes hundreds of maps and diagrams detailing seasonal occurrence. The addition of hundreds of color photographs ensures that this book will become the most significant work on birds of this fascinating region."

A Guide to the Identification and Natural History of the Sparrows of the United States and Canada

Editor: James D. Rising

Poyser

1996

"Provides comprehensive and up-to-date information on all the features that make possible identification of all 62 species of sparrows that occur in North America. The text gives detailed descriptions of the summer, winter, and juvenile plumages of each species, as well as comparisons with similar species. The species accounts are illustrated with range maps and superb line drawings showing behavioral postures and, where useful, fine features of tail feather patterns. The 27 color plates splendidly illustrate the various plumages of each species with the emphasis on the distinctive appearance of birds of different sex, age, and geographic regions. This beautiful and authoritative book will be a must for the library of all keen birders living in and visiting North America. Species accounts include discussions of species: Identification Measurements Voice Habitat Ecology Nesting biology Distribution Taxonomy Geographic variations Historical and present status."

Moult and Ageing of European Passerines: A Photographic Guide

L. Jenni and R. Winkler

1994

"The moult strategies of birds are not only of importance in their impact on a species' ecology and energetics but as a valuable tool for anyone studying the migration and population dynamics of bird species. A proper understanding of how feathers are replaced, and the precise differences in appearance of the various feather generations, can allow ringers, scientists and the keen birdwatcher to age first-year and adult birds and to detect the moult strategy of the bird in question. Lukas Jenni and Raffael Winkler have combined these themes and produced a book which will be valuable both to the professional ornithologist and the bird ringer. The first part gives an up to date summary of the moult strategies and moult sequences of European pesserines and discusses the ecological consequences of moult. Throughout the book, the authors draw on the enormous amount of data on moult collected by them over 15 years of study which, combined with data from the literature, allow them to present a new synthesis of the subject. The second part of the book is of value to ringers. Following a general introduction to ageing, detailed moult profiles are given for 50 species of European passerines representing all the major moult strategies, backed up with useful summary statistics, schematic diagrams of the extent of moult and indications of the variation within each species. For the first time, the extent of partial and suspended moults is presented in detail. This book features over 480 colour photographs of extended wings which show the entire range of moult patterns and of plumage ageing criteria. An appendix gives supplementary information on ageing birds by the degree of pneumatization of the skull. This book is both a major reference for ornithologists, zoologists, bird ringers and dedicated birdwatchers, and a work of great scholarship and beauty."

Storks, Ibises And Spoonbills Of The World

James A. Hancock, James A. Kushlan and M. Philip Kahl

Poyser

1992

A detailed study of the 19 storks, 1 shoebill, 23 ibises and 6 spoonbills of the world. There are introductory chapters on taxonomy and feeding, breeding and behaviour, followed by detailed coverage of each species. The text is supported by colour plates.

Birds of the Middle East and North Africa

P.A.D. Hollom, R.F. Porter, S. Christensen, I. Willis

Poyser

1988

A field guide to the birds of the Middle East and North Africa from Morocco to Iran. It covers 700 breeding, wintering, migratory and vagrant species, with over 350 illustrated in colour and the distribution of 510 shown in distribution maps.