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Birding English: Exploring the History of a Language Through 50 Birds
What do words like unkindness, haggard, asparagus, jizz, and the singular they have to do with birds? Quite a lot, actually. From Old English roots and Shakespearean idioms to Victorian slang and modern online lingo, Birding English charts a dynamic course through English’s past, present, and future by admiring the plumage of falcons, the songs of sparrows, and the flight of ducks. With each of his fifty mini essays, Jeremy Withers uses birds as a point of entry into a key moment in the development of its origins in the Proto-Indo-European and Proto-Germanic languages, the influence of writers like Geoffrey Chaucer and William Shakespeare, the creation of English’s first dictionaries and grammar books, and the arrival of rhyming slang and portmanteaus. Ideal for word nerds and bird nerds alike, this book will enchant anyone who’s ever been captivated by the song of a bird or the song of a word.
242 pages, Paperback
Published June 2, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 2, 2026
This book will be doubly fascinating for anyone interested in the history of the English language and, coincidentally, in birds. Jeremy Withers presents his work in 50 short essays. Each essay features one period in the evolution of English (from Proto-Indo-European to the Internet era), one linguistic topic, and one bird. The chapter order reflects the chronology; the topics tend to correspond loosely to some linguistic feature or influence that becomes prominent at that point in the chronology; the bird is chosen for convenience in illustrating the topic.
For example, Chapter 17 (about a third of the way in) features the Red-winged Blackbird, by way of discussing "The History of Punctuation." Withers explains that punctuation barely existed throughout most of the Old English period. Its use becomes increasingly common by the 1550s and increasingly systematized with the spread of printing and the emergence of single language (English to English) dictionaries. Withers used the Red-winged Blackbird to illustrate the use of the hyphen and spacing to render compound English names. The hyphen, as it turns out, once was known as a "joiner." The bird's name might well have been rendered as Redwinged Blackbird, Red-Winged Blackbird, Red-winged Black-bird, Red Winged Black Bird, or RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD. Typically, it is an influential dictionary (such as Webster's or the OED) that arbitrates these choices.
Several chapters cover the impact on English of diverse human populations, including the Vikings, the Norman French, Native Americans, and African Americans. Also covered is the language of Chaucer, Shakespeare, and The Bible, along with the language of sports, insults, and social media. The nexus in each case to one or more birds sometimes seems rather arbitrary. So, too, is the choice of bird-talk in the first place. Withers concedes as much in the introduction:
"Admittedly, there is nothing terribly unique about regarding birding as a window onto English: I could have written a similar book using the lens of the vocabulary of war, sports, food and drink, and so on."
Although he proceeds to contrive a rationale for this choice (something to do with COVID-19), this really isn't necessary. Anyone who shares these interests, even at a casual level, should be happy to accept that birding and linguistics just happen to be two of the author's passions, and to enjoy the clever way he brings the two together.
For example, Chapter 17 (about a third of the way in) features the Red-winged Blackbird, by way of discussing "The History of Punctuation." Withers explains that punctuation barely existed throughout most of the Old English period. Its use becomes increasingly common by the 1550s and increasingly systematized with the spread of printing and the emergence of single language (English to English) dictionaries. Withers used the Red-winged Blackbird to illustrate the use of the hyphen and spacing to render compound English names. The hyphen, as it turns out, once was known as a "joiner." The bird's name might well have been rendered as Redwinged Blackbird, Red-Winged Blackbird, Red-winged Black-bird, Red Winged Black Bird, or RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD. Typically, it is an influential dictionary (such as Webster's or the OED) that arbitrates these choices.
Several chapters cover the impact on English of diverse human populations, including the Vikings, the Norman French, Native Americans, and African Americans. Also covered is the language of Chaucer, Shakespeare, and The Bible, along with the language of sports, insults, and social media. The nexus in each case to one or more birds sometimes seems rather arbitrary. So, too, is the choice of bird-talk in the first place. Withers concedes as much in the introduction:
"Admittedly, there is nothing terribly unique about regarding birding as a window onto English: I could have written a similar book using the lens of the vocabulary of war, sports, food and drink, and so on."
Although he proceeds to contrive a rationale for this choice (something to do with COVID-19), this really isn't necessary. Anyone who shares these interests, even at a casual level, should be happy to accept that birding and linguistics just happen to be two of the author's passions, and to enjoy the clever way he brings the two together.
June 8, 2026
This book is a delight. It will be of interest to those interested in birds and in language, and in both as well as to those who enjoy an engaging non-fiction book.
The author has compiled a series of 50 short, well-written essays. In each of these, he clearly explains his two main theses: that our vocabulary relating to birds has contributed a variety of words, phrases and idioms to the English language and that accounting for this vocabulary contributes much to an understanding of how English has changed through the millennia.
The essays are concise and eminently readable. They make the links between birds and the English language clear. For example, he draws on studies of the earliest known roots of English and describes how a species of goose might be our earliest domesticated birds and why its plural is ‘geese’ and not ‘gooses’. In a later example, he explains, using words from falconry, how Norman French, the language of the successful invaders in 1066, drastically set English on a new course using falconry, a favoured sport of the conquerors. The bald eagle is used as a focus for explaining the increasing Americanisation of English in the US from the 18th Century onwards and Noah Webster’s impact on this. The influences of a wide range of other languages and slang is not neglected. This helps to build a picture of how historical, social and cultural changes have helped to shape the language and continue to do so. There are references to existing works, giving us confidence in the validity of his assertions.
Whilst reading this book, I found it useful to have a bird guide at hand to find illustrations of the bird under discussion. I feel that the book would have benefitted from illustrations - line drawings at least.
The author makes the point that this is a book for bird nerds well as word nerds and that there is often an overlap between the two. I find myself proudly in that overlap: someone who has had a lifelong interest in the wildlife around me ever since I can remember and has come to love and appreciate words. The book isn’t just for the likes of me, though, but for anyone of an inquiring mind who enjoys reading and learning.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, The University of Iowa Press, for providing me with a copy of this book.
The author has compiled a series of 50 short, well-written essays. In each of these, he clearly explains his two main theses: that our vocabulary relating to birds has contributed a variety of words, phrases and idioms to the English language and that accounting for this vocabulary contributes much to an understanding of how English has changed through the millennia.
The essays are concise and eminently readable. They make the links between birds and the English language clear. For example, he draws on studies of the earliest known roots of English and describes how a species of goose might be our earliest domesticated birds and why its plural is ‘geese’ and not ‘gooses’. In a later example, he explains, using words from falconry, how Norman French, the language of the successful invaders in 1066, drastically set English on a new course using falconry, a favoured sport of the conquerors. The bald eagle is used as a focus for explaining the increasing Americanisation of English in the US from the 18th Century onwards and Noah Webster’s impact on this. The influences of a wide range of other languages and slang is not neglected. This helps to build a picture of how historical, social and cultural changes have helped to shape the language and continue to do so. There are references to existing works, giving us confidence in the validity of his assertions.
Whilst reading this book, I found it useful to have a bird guide at hand to find illustrations of the bird under discussion. I feel that the book would have benefitted from illustrations - line drawings at least.
The author makes the point that this is a book for bird nerds well as word nerds and that there is often an overlap between the two. I find myself proudly in that overlap: someone who has had a lifelong interest in the wildlife around me ever since I can remember and has come to love and appreciate words. The book isn’t just for the likes of me, though, but for anyone of an inquiring mind who enjoys reading and learning.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, The University of Iowa Press, for providing me with a copy of this book.
June 21, 2026
Book Review: Birding English: Exploring the History of a Language Through 50 Birds by Jeremy Withers
Rating: 3.5 Stars
I recently picked up *Birding English* by Jeremy Withers, and it’s a charming dive into the fascinating intersection of language and birds. The book explores how words related to birds—ranging from “unkindness” and “haggard” to “asparagus,” “jizz,” and even the singular “they”—have shaped and reflected the English language across centuries. If you’ve ever wondered how bird-related vocabulary connects to the English we speak today, this book provides some delightful answers.
Withers organizes the book into 50 concise essays, each centering on a different bird. Through these, he traces the evolution of English from its ancient roots in Proto-Indo-European and Proto-Germanic languages, through the influence of literary giants like Shakespeare and Chaucer, to Victorian slang and even modern internet vernacular. It’s a clever way to chart the language’s journey, using the “songs” and “flights” of birds as metaphors for linguistic change.
The writing is clear and engaging, making it accessible whether you’re a self-proclaimed word nerd or simply someone who enjoys birdwatching. I especially appreciated how Withers ties together historical linguistics with cultural tidbits—making each essay feel like a mini adventure.
That said, while the text itself is lovely and well-crafted, I found myself wishing for some illustrations or photos. A few visuals of the birds or historical documents mentioned might have made the experience even richer. This small omission is really my only critique and is the main reason I’m rating the book 3.5 stars instead of higher.
All in all, *Birding English* is a thoughtful and enjoyable read that offers fresh perspectives on how deeply intertwined our language is with the natural world. If you’re curious about words, birds, or both, it’s definitely worth a look.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 3.5 Stars
I recently picked up *Birding English* by Jeremy Withers, and it’s a charming dive into the fascinating intersection of language and birds. The book explores how words related to birds—ranging from “unkindness” and “haggard” to “asparagus,” “jizz,” and even the singular “they”—have shaped and reflected the English language across centuries. If you’ve ever wondered how bird-related vocabulary connects to the English we speak today, this book provides some delightful answers.
Withers organizes the book into 50 concise essays, each centering on a different bird. Through these, he traces the evolution of English from its ancient roots in Proto-Indo-European and Proto-Germanic languages, through the influence of literary giants like Shakespeare and Chaucer, to Victorian slang and even modern internet vernacular. It’s a clever way to chart the language’s journey, using the “songs” and “flights” of birds as metaphors for linguistic change.
The writing is clear and engaging, making it accessible whether you’re a self-proclaimed word nerd or simply someone who enjoys birdwatching. I especially appreciated how Withers ties together historical linguistics with cultural tidbits—making each essay feel like a mini adventure.
That said, while the text itself is lovely and well-crafted, I found myself wishing for some illustrations or photos. A few visuals of the birds or historical documents mentioned might have made the experience even richer. This small omission is really my only critique and is the main reason I’m rating the book 3.5 stars instead of higher.
All in all, *Birding English* is a thoughtful and enjoyable read that offers fresh perspectives on how deeply intertwined our language is with the natural world. If you’re curious about words, birds, or both, it’s definitely worth a look.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
June 3, 2026
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
This book basically applies the history and evolution of the English language onto birds. The chapters are bite sized, the prose flows, the facts are fun. And there is a good list of sources at the back!
Here are my problems with the book:
- The first is personal. I love language. I love reading about language. I’ve already read a lot about language. So a book really needs to bring something new to the table to keep me interested. Some chapters managed. Many didn’t. But that’s my profile working against me.
- The author heavily draws from other popular non-fiction books, for example from H is for Hawk. In that it sometimes felt like a summary from other popular non-fiction books on language and/or birds instead of its own book. Books that draw conclusions from primary sources feel stronger to me.
- English isn’t my first language and I’m not located in the USA or in the UK, so there are many birds I do not have a mental image of. I would have liked some bird illustrations.
This book basically applies the history and evolution of the English language onto birds. The chapters are bite sized, the prose flows, the facts are fun. And there is a good list of sources at the back!
Here are my problems with the book:
- The first is personal. I love language. I love reading about language. I’ve already read a lot about language. So a book really needs to bring something new to the table to keep me interested. Some chapters managed. Many didn’t. But that’s my profile working against me.
- The author heavily draws from other popular non-fiction books, for example from H is for Hawk. In that it sometimes felt like a summary from other popular non-fiction books on language and/or birds instead of its own book. Books that draw conclusions from primary sources feel stronger to me.
- English isn’t my first language and I’m not located in the USA or in the UK, so there are many birds I do not have a mental image of. I would have liked some bird illustrations.
June 4, 2026
I was already seated for a book on etymology and ornithology, two of my favourite topics to read about, but this book exceeded my expectations. Using the names and cultural associations of birds as a scaffold, the writer walks us through a history of the English language, from which other languages it formed from and the various manners that it morphed into what we know today. This logical approach meant that the book was supremely easy to follow, rather than being a forgettable infodump. It's entertaining for people who already have an interest in languages while remaining accessible for people with little or no background. It also discusses how human's dynamic with the rest of the natural world, whether it's awe or violence, shapes our language and our perceptions. All in all, super informative and definitely a book that I'd consider obtaining a physical copy to add to my shelves.
Thank you to NetGalley and UIowa Press for an ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and UIowa Press for an ARC.
Did Not Finish
July 10, 2026DNF at 14%
Sadly this one is not for me. Definitely more for people interested in linguistics than birders.
It's definitely a sit down and concentrate on rather than a flick through coffee table type book.
I found it more intellectual than I was expecting. I admit I felt stupid when words like synecdoche and metonymy weren't defined.
Maybe it needed a different title. The birds weren't the focus, the language is and in some chapters the birds seem almost an afterthought. The title makes me think that common birdwatching terms are going to be defined. While the author states what the book is made up of in the introduction, I was still disappointed.
I assume it's an American thing but not having an of after couple (eg:a couple of birds vs a couple birds) was very distracting.
My thanks to NetGalley for the advance ebook copy.
Sadly this one is not for me. Definitely more for people interested in linguistics than birders.
It's definitely a sit down and concentrate on rather than a flick through coffee table type book.
I found it more intellectual than I was expecting. I admit I felt stupid when words like synecdoche and metonymy weren't defined.
Maybe it needed a different title. The birds weren't the focus, the language is and in some chapters the birds seem almost an afterthought. The title makes me think that common birdwatching terms are going to be defined. While the author states what the book is made up of in the introduction, I was still disappointed.
I assume it's an American thing but not having an of after couple (eg:a couple of birds vs a couple birds) was very distracting.
My thanks to NetGalley for the advance ebook copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was an informative and interesting read!
As a word nerd and an avid birder, this book was written for those of us obsessed with language and birds. I appreciate its organized structure and enjoyed the fifty short essays that were each dedicated to a different bird and how it influenced the English language. It’s also well-written but leans toward an academic tone rather than an accessible one at times.
Overall, it was a fun learning experience with lots of cool fun facts. I highly recommend Birding English as it's ideal for anyone interested in language and bird watching.
Thank you NetGalley and University of Iowa Press for the ARC(advanced reader copy) in return for an honest review
As a word nerd and an avid birder, this book was written for those of us obsessed with language and birds. I appreciate its organized structure and enjoyed the fifty short essays that were each dedicated to a different bird and how it influenced the English language. It’s also well-written but leans toward an academic tone rather than an accessible one at times.
Overall, it was a fun learning experience with lots of cool fun facts. I highly recommend Birding English as it's ideal for anyone interested in language and bird watching.
Thank you NetGalley and University of Iowa Press for the ARC(advanced reader copy) in return for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review the ARC of this book.
5 stars
Wow, what a thorough, informative, and very interesting breakdown of the history of words and some grammatical concepts in the English language, all being brought back to birds - bird names, bird sounds and songs, bird descriptions.
This book is very dense and certainly along the lines of assigned reading in a university class (and it’s published by a university press). It would also be an excellent choice to add to a library collection.
5 stars
Wow, what a thorough, informative, and very interesting breakdown of the history of words and some grammatical concepts in the English language, all being brought back to birds - bird names, bird sounds and songs, bird descriptions.
This book is very dense and certainly along the lines of assigned reading in a university class (and it’s published by a university press). It would also be an excellent choice to add to a library collection.
May 4, 2026
"Birding English" lives at a perfectly charming and thorough crossfire between bird lovers and language aficionados, of which I am one. Each of these fifty mini-essays discuss the historic and linguistic significance of a bird-related word, telling the stories of civilizations come and gone as often as they discuss ecological impact and avian behavior. I very much enjoyed this book, perfect as it was for a cozy spring day listening to the Carolina wrens lose their minds outside my window.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC.
Words and birds? Yes please. This book is definitely more etymological than ornithological, but charming on both counts.
Each section reads like a short essay. Im walking away with some good fun facts and a new ability to birdspot even while reading.
Words and birds? Yes please. This book is definitely more etymological than ornithological, but charming on both counts.
Each section reads like a short essay. Im walking away with some good fun facts and a new ability to birdspot even while reading.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews