The history of British birds.

Stock ID 27932 The history of British birds. D. W. Yalden, U. Albarella.
The history of British birds.

Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009. Octavo, dustwrapper, black and white illustrations, maps.

This volume reviews our knowledge of avifaunal history over the last 15,000 years, setting it in its wider historical and European context. The authors, one an ornithologist the other an archaeologist, integrate a wealth of archaeological data to illuminate and enliven the story, indicating the extent to which climatic, agricultural, and social changes have affected the avifauna. They discuss its present balance, as well as predicting possible future changes. It is a popular misconception that bird bones are rarely preserved (compared with mammals), and cannot be reliably identified when they are found. The book explores both these contentions, armed with a database of 9,000 records of birds that have been identified on archaeological sites. Most are in England, but sites elsewhere in Great Britain, Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Isles are included. Britain's most numerous bird is also the most widespread in the archaeological record, but some of the more charismatic species also have a rich historical pedigree. For example, we can say quite a lot about the history of the Crane, Red kite, White-tailed eagle and Great auk. The history of many introduced domestic species can also be illuminated. Also available in paperback [stock id 30985].

Price: $125.00 AU

other currencies

Add to Cart

Stock ID: 27932

In Print

New

Copies in Stock: 1

Enquire On Item Add to Wish List