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This page lists book/CD guides to the identification of songs and calls of British birds. The most recent books are at the top of the page.

Handbooks and field guides

Woodland Birds Songs & Calls

Hannu Jännes, Owen Roberts

2013

"In the forest a birdwatcher's ears are often more useful than their eyes for locating the various species of woodpeckers, owls, finches and many other families which inhabit this sometimes impenetrable habitat. This easy-to-use package of book and CD offers insight into this secret world. The CD features 80 tracks containing bird songs and calls of species commonly found in forest and woodland habitats across Britain and the rest of Europe. Each audio track is numbered to coincide with the guide for quick reference. Woodland Birds Songs & Calls also presents full-colour photographs of the birds and interesting text about their habits and feeding and nesting routines, as well as their songs and calls."

Wetland Birds Songs & Calls

Hannu Jännes, Owen Roberts

2013

"n marshland and beside lakes and rivers a birdwatcher's ears are often more useful than their eyes for locating the various species of warblers, crakes, waders, wildfowl and many other families which inhabit these sometimes impenetrable habitats. This easy-to-use package of book and CD offers insight into this secret world. The CD features 80 tracks containing bird songs and calls of species commonly found in wetlands across Britain and the rest of Europe. Each audio track is numbered to coincide with the guide for quick reference. Wetland Bird Songs & Calls also presents full-colour photographs of the birds and interesting text about their habits and feeding and nesting routines, as well as their songs and calls."

A Guide to Mountain & Moorland Birds And Their Sounds

Presented by Brett Westwood and Stephen Moss

2013

"In the sixth of our series of bird guides, recorded on location on The Long Mynd in Shropshire, Brett Westwood and Stephen Moss are assisted by wildlife sound recordist Chris Watson as they present a guide to the appearance, behaviour, songs and calls of the birds you may find around Britain's mountains and moorlands. Each programme focuses on a different habitat, starting with heather moors and birds such as Black Grouse and Merlin, before moving on to cliffs and crags (Raven and Peregrine); upland grasslands (Skylark and Curlew); bogs and mires (Golden Plover and Greenshank) and high tops (Ptarmigan and Snow Bunting). Full of useful hints and tips on how to recognise birds visually and identify them by their sound, this knowledgeable and entertaining guide will appeal to beginner and expert birdwatchers alike; as well as anyone who is eager to know more about the beautiful birds of the British countryside."

What's That Bird: Recognising Birds by Their Songs and Calls

Sound recording: Tomasz Ogrodowczyk

2013

Originally published in Polish

"What's That Bird is an English-language version of the highly acclaimed Polish 4CD guide for recognizing birds by their songs and calls, covering 160 of the most common European species (see the table of contents for the species listing). Apart from standard voice recordings, the CDs include a precise comment, pointing out the characteristic features of the song and differences between similarly-sounding species.

There is also a 20-page colour booklet attached to each CD. Each species has been given an entry with photo and short text about its habitat, distribution, voice characteristics, and – in some cases – habitat drawings or sonograms. Great both for beginners learning the basics, and for experienced observers wishing to extend their knowledge. As an extra bonus this 4CD set comes with a unique 5th disc: "Secrets of Primeval Forests, recognizing animal voices" with sounds of birds, frogs, crickets, mammals and beautiful natural sound recordings of Polish forest."

Birdsong: 150 British And Irish Birds And Their Amazing Sounds

Jonathan Elphick, Jan Pedersen, Lars Svensson

2012

"At last it is possible to listen to the amazing variety of birdsong that enriches our environment simply by opening this book. Delve into the absorbing text and beautiful photographs of each of the 150 birds whilst listening to their songs and calls. Among many others, the sounds you will hear at the touch of a button include the cries of birds of prey like the Red Kite, Osprey and Peregrine Falcon as well as the dramatic mewing or barking cries of several species of gulls that can be found both on our coasts and in the centre of towns. The recordings include the songs and calls of much-loved garden birds, such as the Blackbird, Song Thrush, Robin, Wren and Blue Tit as well as the sounds of many wonderful migrants: the call of the Cuckoo that heralds the arrival of spring, the piercing cries of the Swifts that arrive later, the distinctive sounds of the winter-visiting Redwing and Fieldfare. The recordings also include sounds that communicate a desire to mate or challenge a territorial rival: the rattling bursts of Woodpeckers as they drum their beaks rapidly against a hollow tree-trunk, or the strange bleating sound made by the Snipe's outer tail feathers as it hurtles earthwards in its display flight. Concise descriptions are given of each species as well as fascinating nuggets of information. Did you know that both sexes of Robin sing almost all year, that the Nightingale sings by day as well as at night, and the Great Tit holds the record for the number of different songs and calls - over 50 - it produces? With stunning colour photographs of each species, accessible and authoritative text and a unique sound module, this rich source of wildlife knowledge can be enjoyed at home or outdoors."

Birdwatching With Your Eyes Closed: An Introduction to Birdsong

Simon Barnes

2012

Revised paperback edition 2012

"Why do birds sing? What are they trying to say? Birdsong is not just about natural history. It is also about our history. We got melody from birds as we got rhythm from the womb. This vital book with a free podcast takes you from winter into deepest spring, teaching you how to recognise song after song as the chorus swells. You start with robin, and end up listening to nightingales.

Along the way, you will learn the science of birdsong the difference between song and call, the physiology of songbirds, what birdsong tells us about evolution, and indeed the very beginnings of life itself. The aim is to give you a flying start in birdsong so that, after reading this book, you ll be listening to order, not chaos, to Bach, not white noise. You will be more aware of the wild world, and better able to understand it."

Buy p/b from amazon.co.uk

Bird Songs & Calls

Hannu Jannes and Owen Roberts

2011

"This easy-to-use package of book and CD offers insight into the secret world of birds. The CD features 96 bird calls of species commonly found in a variety of habitats across Britain and the rest of Europe. Each audio track is numbered to coincide with the guide for quick reference. The book also presents full-colour photographs of the birds and interesting text about their habits, feeding and nesting routines, as well as their calls. Invaluable for birders of all ages and abilities, this CD and book offer an ideal way to increase your knowledge of bird identification and help to understand their behaviour. It is a guide for birdwatchers of all ages and abilities, from expert to beginner."

A Guide to British Farmland Birds And Their Sounds

Presented by Brett Westwood and Stephen Moss

2011

"Join Brett Westwood and Stephen Moss in this absorbing guide to the sounds of our most popular farmland birds, as heard on BBC Radio 4. In the fifth of our series of bird guides, Brett Westwood is joined once again by enthusiastic birdwatcher Stephen Moss, and with the help of recordings made by wildlife sound recordist Chris Watson they present this knowledgeable and entertaining guide to the songs, calls and cries of the birds you may see and hear around Britain's farmlands. Packed with useful information and handy tips, each programme focuses on a different habitat, starting with arable fields and birds such as Skylark, Grey Partridge and Lapwing; then winter pasture and birds including Fieldfare and Golden Plover; hedgerow (Yellowhammer and Turtle Dove), copse (Pheasant and Little Owl), and farmyard (Jackdaw and Swallow.) Their advice on how to recognise birds visually and how to identify them by their sounds will soon enable you to sort out your House Sparrow from your Tree Sparrow, and will appeal to both budding ornithologists and experienced birdwatchers, as well as walkers and ramblers who are curious about the birds they encounter while out and about in the countryside."

A Guide to British Coastal Birds And Their Sounds

Presented by Brett Westwood and Stephen Moss

2011

"Join Brett Westwood and Stephen Moss in this fascinating guide to the sounds of our most popular coastal birds, as heard on BBC Radio 4. In the fourth of our series of bird guides, Brett Westwood is joined by keen birdwatcher Stephen Moss on the north coast of Devon, and with the help of wildlife sound recordist Chris Watson they offer a practical and entertaining guide to identifying many of the birds you're likely to see and hear around Britain's coastline. Each programme focuses on a different habitat, starting with estuaries and birds such as Redshank, Dunlin, Curlew and Knot, then sandy shores and birds including Common and Sandwich Tern; rocky shores (Rock Pipit, Turnstone), sea cliffs (Fulmar, Guillemot, Razorbill), and offshore islands (Puffin, Manx Shearwater and Arctic Tern). Listen to advice on how to recognise birds visually and how to identify them from their calls and songs."

Bird Songs and Calls (Book & 3 CDs)

Geoff Sample

2010

"The new Collins Bird Songs and Calls includes re-recorded versions of the original habitat CDs – ensuring that they are even clearer, but just as atmospheric – introducing the user to the major bird habitats of Britain and the birds that live in them. This new edition also features a third CD containing a unique guide to identifying more complex songs and calls, with tips on what aspects of the song or call are the distinguishing characteristics. Beginning with simple, similar-sounding songs, it gradually moves through more difficult distinctions and on to a comprehensive section on passerine calls. Species that often occur in the same habitat are treated together. An accompanying full-colour guide explores the historical background to how recordings of bird songs and calls have developed and been appreciated over the years along with species accounts of the behaviour of all of our common birds. Collins Bird Songs and Calls will help you to quickly appreciate the wonderful range of bird voices and discover just what bird song is all about. A walk in the park will never be the same again."

A Guide to British Water Birds

Presented by Brett Westwood and Stephen Moss

2010

"Join presenter Brett Westwood and Stephen Moss in this fascinating guide to the calls and songs of our most popular water birds, as heard on BBC Radio 4. In the third of our series of bird guides, Brett Westwood is joined by birdwatcher Stephen Moss and wildlife sound recordist Chris Watson in an accessible, informative and entertaining guide to some of our best known water-loving birds. Recorded in springtime on the Somerset Levels, each of the programmes focuses on a different group of birds, starting with waders such as the Lapwing, Redshank, Snipe and Curlew. Then there are the warblers, who thrive in the reed beds, and the rails and crakes, including Coot, Moorhen and Spotted Crake. Last but by no means least are the river birds, including Grey Wagtail, Common Sandpiper and Kingfisher. Packed with useful information and helpful tips, this series will appeal to both the complete novice and the experienced birdwatcher who simply wants to know more about water birds."

Garden Bird Songs and Calls (Book & CD)

Geoff Sample

2009

"Geoff Sample, author of the best-selling Field Guide to Bird Songs and Calls, provides an audio guide to the bird songs you hear in gardens and parks. Garden Bird Songs and Calls includes over 60 minutes of digitally recorded sound and covers 40 of the most common and vocal garden birds. Each recording is introduced by the author with a voice-over that gives a brief interpretation of the song or call. The book contains details of each recording and also gives useful advice on how to listen to and interpret the sounds you hear. If you would like to be able to identify the birds in your garden by sound rather than by sight then this is the guide for you."

Countryside Birds: A Guide to the Bird Sounds of the British Countryside

British Library

"The British countryside is renowned for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife and any walk, whether it be in woodland, wetland or open country, is always accompanied by the varied songs and calls of our birdlife. This new identification guide presents the sounds of 70 species that call the British countryside home, from songbirds such as the Yellowhammer, Skylark and Reed Warbler to game birds such as the Pheasant and Red-legged Partridge and birds of prey such as the Kestrel and Buzzard. This title is a must for anyone who loves walking in the countryside, and wants to learn more about the sounds around them. Includes an introductory booklet."

A Guide to British Woodland Birds

Presented by Brett Westwood and Stephen Moss

2009

"Woods and forests are full of birds, and although you might not immediately see them you will certainly hear them. This practical and informative audio guide, recorded in springtime in the Forest of Dean, will help you to recognise the birds you see - and those you only hear - when you're walking in one of Britain's beautiful woodlands. Each of the programmes focuses on a different group of birds, starting with the Nuthatch and the brightly coloured woodpeckers, small birds and wonderful songbirds like the Blackcap, the Garden Warbler and the elusive Nightingale. Then there are the specialists, who need coniferous planting to thrive - the Siskin, Goldcrest, Coal Tit and the more exotic Crossbill. Finally, the big ones, Sparrowhawks, Jays, Jackdaws and owls. Whether you're a novice or an experienced birdwatcher, this series will help you to tell the Chiffchaff from the Willow Warbler, the Redstart from the Pied Flycatcher and to enjoy the astonishing variety of bird life in British woodlands."

A Guide to British Garden Birds And Their Songs

Presented by Brett Westwood and Stephen Moss

2008

"Most of us can tell the difference between a Blue Tit and a Blackbird or a Robin and a Wren, but what happens if you close your eyes - can you still tell which bird is which simply by listening to their song? If the answer is no, then this practical audio guide to the songs of British garden birds is the easy way to get to know the songs of some of our most popular and best-loved songbirds. Recorded on location in the Somerset Levels, in the garden of birdwatcher, writer and broadcaster Stephen Moss, this helpful and practical guide will quickly enable you to sort out your Blue Tits from your Great Tits and your Hedge Sparrows from your Tree Sparrows. Joining Stephen and presenter Brett Westwood, wildlife sound recordist Chris Watson is armed with an array of microphones that allow us to eavesdrop on the songs, calls and alarm cries of the birds we see around us. Packed with useful information and helpful tips, this guide is for anyone who wants to understand more about the beautiful birds which share our parks and gardens every day."

A Field Guide to the Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Northern Europe

Dave Farrow

2008

"This book is a major breakthrough in that it not only describes bird sound in a simple and understandable way, but also includes two accompanying bird song and call CDs, providing all the detail you need in order to confidently identify 200 different species over a wide variety of habitats.Each species is fully illustrated - showing details such as sexual variance and flight - by Brin Edwards, an award-winning artist with a distinctive and contemporary style. All birds are described with full identification detail and have examples of habitat and distribution as well as those all-important calls and song. Written with both beginners and the more experience birder in mind, this major new title really is the only field guide you will ever need."

British Bird Sounds on CD: The Definitive Audio Guide to Birds In Britain

British Library

"This is a guide to all British birds whose sounds are likely to be encountered by the average birdwatcher. A total of 175 species are heard ranging from the familiar tawny owl to the very rare call of the bittern. This is an authorititive guide and an ideal gift for anyone wishing to learn the sounds of the great variety of birds that can be seen and heard throughout the season. A perennial bestseller. Includes an introductory booklet."

The Bird Songs of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East

Andreas Schulze and Karl-Heinz Dingler

2006

"2-CD-set with 2817 MP3 recordings of 819 bird species. A 64-page booklet lists the species in English, French, German, and Latin. This MP3-CD set has been made from the 17 CD set Birdsounds of Europe. The recordings are the same. The species are listed systematically according to taxonomical standards and can thus be easily compared."

The Sound Approach to Birding: A Guide To Understanding Bird Sound

Mark Constantine and The Sound Approach

2006

"Learn the facts of bird sound while listening to over 200 beautiful exclusive stereo recordings from all over the world. Combining anecdote, scientific theory and practical field experience, The Sound Approach to Birding is a step-by-step guide through tone, pitch, rhythm, reading sonagrams, acoustics, and using sounds to age and sex birds. It explains how bird sounds are often the first indication of previously unrecognised taxonomic splits, and explains how to identify them. With The Sound Approach, you can maximise the use of sound in enhancing your field skills, and improve your standards of identification, whatever the level of your experience."

Songs of Garden Birds: The Definitive Audio Guide to British Garden Birds

British Library

"A very popular audio guide which helps to identify the bids that come to our gardens- not just the early morning minstrels that wake us with their songs, but all those that sing around our homes at any time. Features recordings of the typical songs and calls of the fifty-two species most commonly found in British gardens. This CD presents an introduction to learning and identifying bird sounds in your garden. Includes an introductory booklet."

Warbler Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe

Geoff Sample

2003

"A book and 3 CD set that provides an audio guide to the Warblers of Britain and Europe. The CDs contain high quality recordings of all the Warbler species that occur in Britain and Europe. The book explains how to interpret the sounds and make an accurate identification."

Garden Bird Songs and Calls (Book & CD)

Geoff Sample

2000

"In a brand-new recording Geoff Sample, author of the best-selling Field Guide Bird Songs and Calls, provides an audio guide to the bird song you hear in parks and gardens. The CD includes over 60 minutes of digitally recorded sound and covers 40 of the most common and vocal garden birds. Each recording is introduced by the author with a voice-over that gives a brief interpretation of the song or call. The booklet included contains details of each recording and also gives useful advice on how to listen to and interpret the sounds you hear. If you would like to be able to identify the birds in your garden by sound rather than by sight then this is the guide for you."

Bird Call Identification (Book & CD)

Geoff Sample

Collins

1998

"In Collins Field Guide to Bird Songs and Calls, Geoff Sample introduced a revolutionary way of helping to identify bird songs. In this companion volume he covers a further 130 species and helps the reader to identify some of the trickier and rarer species. Each group is grouped together on the basis of what they sound like. Starting with a common, familiar species, the listener is introduced to the variation between each similar-sounding species. Geoff Sample also explains the major differences between the species, so that the listener can identify the species with ease. The accompanying book highlights these differences and also gives essential background information on when and where you are likely to hear each species singing, further helping to identify the bird."

Bird Songs and Calls Of Britain and Northern Europe(Book & 2 CDs)

Geoff Sample

1996

"This unique Collins Field Guide features two CDs providing audio references for Geoff Sample's comprehensive list of songs and calls of the common birds of Britain and Northern Europe. With the CDs organised by habitat and the list of birds by species, together they enable the bird watcher to easily match a song or call with the species. Beginning with a scientific overview of the terminology used, the general meanings of bird songs and calls and their various functions as tools for socialising and communicating, the book then takes you through the list of bird species, examining their sounds and their different meanings. With over two hours of digitally recorded sounds and hundreds of species covered, this is an indispensable guide for any dedicated bird fan, leaving you with a far greater understanding of the natural noises that surround us everyday."