Review of field guides and books of British Birds and British Wildlife Extra
We do not claim this review to be definitive, but we have taken a close look at the following books, and we have decided which we like and which we don’t, and why.
RSPB Handbook of British birds by Holden and Cleeves.
Scores 9/10
Excellent (as you would expect) in depth guide to 280 species, with a paragraph on each of identification, habits, voice, habitat, food, breeding, movements and migration, population, conservation and distribution, plus a distribution map, and a range of illustrations of different stages of each species.
Click here to buy a copy from the RSPB
To see what the book looks like inside, click here.
The birds of Britain and Europe by Heinzel, Fitter & Parslow.
Scores 7/10.
Good general coverage of around 1000 different birds from the whole of Europe. One paragraph on each bird mentioning size, appearance, voice and habitat, plus a distribution map and a range of illustrations.
NB this is an old manky copy, much thumbed. There is a new edition out now.
To see what it looks like inside, click here.
Kingfisher Field guide to the wildlife of Britain and Europe by Michael Chinery. (Hardback)
Scores 5/10. (higher for children)
Very general coverage of 800+ birds, mammals, fishes, reptiles, amphibians, insects, butterflies, fishes, crustaceans, spiders and invertebrates of Britain and Europe. Too heavy for a fieldguide, decent if kept in a car or house. 1-2 sentences covering size, habitat and appearnace, plus a small distribution map (birds only) and a single illustration.
To see what it looks like inside, click here.
AA book of Britain’s countryside by Sterry and others. (hardback)
Scores 4/10
Coffe-table style book, a wildlife travelogue of the British Isles that can't quite make up it's mind what pupose it serves. A double page spread on key areas is backed up by a Identification section covering the most noteable species of 1100 plants, birds, mammals, fishes, reptiles, amphibians, insects, butterflies, fishes, crustaceans, spiders and invertebrates. Each species has a good succinct description, and a sentence on each of habitat, voice (not fish or invertebrates!), distribution, nest, food and breeding, but no dostribution maps and only 1 illustration.
To see what it looks like inside, click here.
Collins Gem Birds photoguide by Flegg.
5/10
Very basic photoguide to the birds (some of them anyway) of Europe, covering 240 species only, but scores well on portability as will fit in most small pockets. Decent description with a sentence on each of range & habitat, nest, voice, juvenile appearance and some general comments, no maps and just 1 photo per species.
To see what it looks like inside, click here.
« Back to Kit Reviews