Latin for Bird Lovers is an accessible, informative, and beautifully illustrated guide to the mysteries of ornithological Latin. It reveals the meaning, origin, and pronunciation of Latin binomials, helping readers to get to grips with the highly useful information that these names contain, and also to communicate more effectively with other birders. Latin for Bird Lovers features 'Bird Profile' pages which look in depth at specific genera. Its 'Great Ornithologist' spreads reveal the fascinating stories of the men and women who found and named many of the birds we love; its "Latin in Action" feature boxes provide tips that will help readers apply the lore of Latin names to their own birding.
Roger Lederer is an emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences at California State University, Chico. His expertise is ecology and ornithology, and he has published over thirty scientific research papers and six books. He has been consulted by many organisations and individuals, including the BBC and National Geographic.
Carol Burr has a PhD in 19th Century British Literature and taught the subject at California state University, Chico, for 37 years. She has authored articles and edited books on women writers. Most recently she illustrated a local bird guide The Birds of Bidwell Park with husband Dr. Roger Lederer.
"This is a wonderfully presented book. The artwork used throughout is outstanding. Its user-friendly approach makes it easy to understand the origin, pronunciation, and meaning of the Latin names used for birds. This book deserves a place on every nature lovers’ bookshelf. If you love nature, you’ll find it really useful. If you are a scientist, don’t expect to learn too much, but savour the artwork. If you are a teacher, do your students a favour and make sure it is available in the library. Latin for Bird Lovers is not a book to be read front to back, although the ‘Bird Profiles’ and ‘Great Ornithologists’ features are very interesting, but to look good on your bookshelf and occasionally be dipped into when you don’t know your Anthus from your Eulabeornis."
– Allan Archer, BTO book reviews, September 2014