Book Of British Birds

by Paul Sterry, Readers Digest, AA Publishing

An illustrated guide to 217 bird species commonly found in Britain. There are also entries for a further 117 rarer species. Readers will find out how to identify birds by shape, color and flight action, as well as learning about their evolution and navigation systems.

Genres: Reference, Nature, Nonfiction, Birds, Collections, Environment, Art

471 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1972

About the author

Paul Sterry has written and illustrated more than 50 books. Trained as a zoologist, Paul has been a wildlife photographer for over 20 years and regularly undertakes research expeditions.

Reviews

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, there are better identification guides out there but this holistic guide to British Birds with it's sections on ecology, physiology, migration, etc was my inspiration to get into art and ornithology. For me as a teenager it was a great jumping off point for a lifelong passion for British Birds (ultimately inspiring me to work for the RSPB in the 1980s).

[Auriel Roe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gorgeous book, beautifully drawn. The writing is clear and to the point so you can read the whole thing in a few sittings, if you're into amassing your feathered facts. It's so much nicer to have a bird book of drawings rather that photos. There's something a little tacky about that somehow.

[Kenneth Pile · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't agree with another review that says there are better bird books than this one.

I was given this book back in the early 70's by my Nan, I was about 10 years old. It started my love of birds that has never dwindled. It is full of useful information on every breed of bird in the UK, except maybe the ring necked parakeet that invaded London years later. There is also a section on birds in general covering their behavior, migration, different types etc. This is what I can remember anyway as unfortunately 50 years later I have lost the book and am looking for another copy.

But, what's most amazing about this book are the incredible illustrations by Raymond Harris Ching. You can search for illustrations by RHC online and they won't touch the quality of these drawings. They are stunning and beautiful.

[Qb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply wonderful.

[JoJo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive and informative - read and used for the great garden bird watch

[Max Bovellan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luin suomenkielisen version. Upea teos täynnä laadukasta tiedettä. Pidin lintuharrastajana myös kirjan jäsentelystä, linnut ovatkin nimittäin yllättävästi esiintymisalueittain listattuna. Normaalista taksonomisesta listauksesta poiketen.
Kuvat ovat myös poikkeuksellisen kauniisti maalattuja, suorastaan taideteoksi, asentoineen sekä värivalintoineen.