Dartmoor is a unique natural area. A National Park since 1951, it covers 368 square miles of upland moor and bog, lowland heath, deciduous valley woodland, coniferous plantations, reservoirs, rivers and farmland. In these varied habitats 254 species and sub-species of birds have been recorded. Because some of these species are at the very northernmost edge of the world range, and others, such as Dunlin, Golden Plover, or Red Grouse are at their southernmost edge, Dartmoor is the only place where they can be found in close proximity. The Birds of Dartmoor is the first book to provide a comprehensive history of the birds of this area, drawing on references from the late eighteenth century to the present day. Relying particularly on records of the Devon Birdwatching and Preservation Society and the Dartmoor Study Group for current information, it represents the most complete status report to date. In addition to full details of species, the book includes an introduction to Dartmoor habitats, a section dealing with a typical Dartmoor year from month to month, and a comprehensive bibliography.