ILLUSTRATED ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIRDS OF BRITAIN, EUROPE & AFRICA

The habitats of Great Britain, Europe and Africa boast some of the most interesting and adaptable members of the avian world. This accessible and fully illustrated guide presents some of the rare and familiar species of these lands. From the tiny malachite sunbird to the enormous ostrich; from the grace of a mute swan to the striking casque of an African crowned hornbill - each has the power to enthrall.An expert, accessible introduction explains how birds evolved, bird behaviour, practical tips on fieldcraft, and the different habitats in which birds can be found. A directory of over 560 species features intricate colour artworks, and details everything from variable plumage to bill shapes, distribution, size, food, eggs and nests. The birds are grouped by habitat and type - including oceanic, estuarine, freshwater, woodland, open country and urban species.

David Alderton is a UK-based writer specialising in pets and natural history topics. Growing up in a home surrounded by pets, he originally trained to become a veterinary surgeon. An allergic dermatitis acquired in his final year of study forced a change of career however, and so led him into the field of writing about pets and their care. He has since become a regular contributor of articles on this subject to a wide range of newspapers and magazines in the UK and abroad, and also participates frequently in radio and television programmes.

His books have currently sold over six million copies, and have been translated into 30 different languages. David’s titles have won awards in the USA from the Cat Writers' Association of America and the Maxwell Medallion from the Dog Writers’ Association of America, as well as being nominated for the Sir Peter Kent Conservation Book Prize. He has also chaired the National Council for Aviculture, the umbrella organisation for bird-keeping clubs and associations in the UK, and is a member of the Kennel Club, as well as editor of the monthly magazine Practical Reptile Keeping.