England marks the northwestern limit for many Palearctic breeding birds, and is close to the southwestern limit for several others - in particular, several seabird species whose English colonies are of international significance. It is the first point of arrival for new colonists from the south - Little Egret and Yellow-legged Gull are two recent arrivals - and it is also of international importance for wintering and passage populations of various specieswhich breed in the far north of the Palearctic. A diverse and fascinating avifauna is augmented by visits from an impressive range of rarities from as far afield as Siberia and Canada - Nearctic vagrants in particular are well-represented on the English list.
This new avifauna in the Poyser Country Avifauna series looks in detail at England and its birds, analysing present and historical data to present a picture of the status, range and abundance of every bird on the English list. Introductory chapters present an overview of England's geography, land use history and general ecology, plus a history of birding, ornithology and conservation in the country.
Previous volumes in this series, Birds in Scotland, Birds in Ireland and Birds in Wales are now out-of-print.
The authors work for English Nature, which has supported the researchfor this book. Both are keen and committed ornithologists with along-term interest in the status and conservation of birds in England.
superbly written and researched, and will henceforth be the standard-bearer of this type of country avifauna that others will want to match up to. British Birds (Feb 2006) "Virtually all the most essential information on England's birds is to be found in a single source." British Ornithologists' Union (2006) "Birds in England is excellent. With 495 pages of analysis of all species with self-sustaining populations it is a must for birders, and at GBP40 a definite bargain." Colin Tudge Biologist (July 2005) "For the first time, virtually all the most essential information on England's birds is to be found in a single source.""For years to come, Birds in England will be the primary reference work for researchers and birders who wish to look up anything about the avifauna of England and will reward the casual reader with many hours of entertainment." British Ornithologists Union (2006) "Presents a comprehensive and up-to-date synthesis of the status and distribution of birds, and though it may at first appear daunting, its authors have dne a splendid job assembling vital information." The Guardian (26 Nov 2005)