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…

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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 11,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Birds Britannica.

Browse books like Birds Britannica

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in birds, ecology, and London?

Birds 177 books
Ecology 82 books
London 860 books