Poyser Species Monograph: the Skylark [Hardcover]

Paul Donald (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 27, 2004 | Series: Poyser Species Monograph

The Skylark is one of Britain's most popular and inspirational birds, and in recent years it has also been one of the most newsworthy. The species' population has plummeted as a consequence of changes in farming practice, and the RSPB has launched a major research and fund-raising campaign to save the 'blithe spirit' from further decline. This book looks at all aspects of the life of the Skylark, from its biology, migratory patterns, breeding behaviour and habitat requirements, to its role in legend and folklore. It also discusses its recent rapid decline which has led to the species being placed on the top-priority 'red list' of Birds of Conservation Concern by the leading governmental and non-governmental conservation organisations in the UK. Three closely related species, Oriental and Japanese Skylarks and the enigmatic Raso Lark are also discussed.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“This readable guide to the seabirds of the world provides updated material on every aspect of these birds—adaptation and plumage, how they are distributed into communities, feeding behavior, migration, breeding, and more.”

--This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

About the Author

Paul Donald is a Senior Research Biologist in the RSPB's International Research Team, and has written numerous papers on Skylarks and other farmland birds.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 264 pages
• Publisher: Christopher Helm Ornithology; 1St Edition edition (February 27, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0713665688
• ISBN-13: 978-0713665680
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,558,419 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful overview of seabird biology, August 2, 2011

By 

K. Schneider "CA Naturalist" (Redwood City, CA, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Seabirds: A Natural History (Hardcover)

I really enjoyed reading this book and I'm currently perusing it a second time. The author is a biologist who writes very well for a general audience. One of the strengths of the book is that it presents a decidedly "big picture" view of seabirds - comparing seabird natural histories around the globe, through time, and with other groups of animals. It asks and attempts to answer many "why" questions about seabird life history strategies in an entertaining and thoughtful way. I highly recommend this book to birders and naturalists who are interested in these fascinating and sometimes mysterious birds. I caution, however, that this book is not about the field identification of seabirds and does not treat particular families of seabirds in a specific way - but there are more and more field guides and books that cover that area separately.