Overview

The Lapwing once had many regional names; the Loon has a British-American identity crisis and the respectable-sounding Apostlebird is often called a Lousy Jack. Why do bird names, both common and scientific, change over time and why do they vary so much between different parts of the English-speaking world? Wandering through the scientific and cultural history of ornithology takes us to the heart of understanding the long relationship between birds and people. Lapwings, Loons and Lousy Jacks uncovers the stories behind the incredible diversity of bird names, explains what many scientific names actually mean and takes a look at the history of the system by which we name birds. Ray Reedman explores the natural history and folklore behind bird names, in doing so unlocking the mystery of the name Scoter, the last unexplained common name of a British bird species.

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9781784270926

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Reviews

A book you'll keep picking up to discover more. -- Kelly Brenner The Metropolitan Field Guide Examining the names of a variety of bird species from scientific as well as folkloric perspectives, Reedman's book sounds just right to satisfy - as well as pique - the curiosity of those, like myself, who have long wondered at the stories behind, and reasons for, the names by which the birds around us are - and have been - known. -- John E. Riutta The Well-read Naturalist

Examining the names of a variety of bird species from scientific as well as folkloric perspectives, Reedman's book sounds just right to satisfy - as well as pique - the curiosity of those, like myself, who have long wondered at the stories behind, and reasons for, the names by which the birds around us are - and have been - known. -- John E. Riutta The Well-read Naturalist

He writes as a birder, but also, as is very evident, as a man whose professional life has revolved around languages and literature, and I fear that in trying not to create a serious work of reference he has failed! I think I shall go back to this book again and again. -- Mike Everett British Birds A book you'll keep picking up to discover more. -- Kelly Brenner The Metropolitan Field Guide Examining the names of a variety of bird species from scientific as well as folkloric perspectives, Reedman's book sounds just right to satisfy - as well as pique - the curiosity of those, like myself, who have long wondered at the stories behind, and reasons for, the names by which the birds around us are - and have been - known. -- John E. Riutta The Well-read Naturalist

Author Information

Ray Reedman combines his love of birds and travel with a deep understanding of language and history. As a retired Senior Master of a successful independent school Ray rekindled a life-long love of the natural world by teaching courses on ornithology and travelling the world to watch birds.

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