Birds Britannica

By Mark Cocker, Richard Mabey,

Book cover of Birds Britannica

Book description

The British love their birds, which are inextricably entwined with every aspect of their island life. British customs, more than 1,000 years of English literature, the very fabric of society, even the landscape itself, have all been enhanced by the presence of birds. Highly acclaimed on first publication, this superb…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Birds Britannica as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This is a glorious bird-by-bird book, filled with photographs and lots of information and first-hand accounts, including folklore and history, with copious endnotes and references. It was first published in 2005 and reissued in 2020. The book is divided into different bird families, starting with the Diver family, the Grebe family, and the Albatross family, so it can be read systematically or by dipping in and out. Birds Britannica perhaps deserves the name ‘coffee-table book’ – being so heavy, it is almost impossible to read unless seated (with a coffee) at a table. 

From Lesley's list on the history of British birds.

Want books like Birds Britannica?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Birds Britannica.

Browse books like Birds Britannica

Book cover of Book of British Birds
Book cover of A History of Birdwatching in 100 Objects
Book cover of The Birds of Devon

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,171

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in birds, ecology, and London?

Birds 178 books
Ecology 83 books
London 862 books