The bird name book: a history of English bird names
Description
A marvelously illustrated A-to-Z compendium of bird names from around the globeThe Bird Name Book is an alphabetical reference book on the origins and meanings of common group bird names, from “accentor” to “zeledonia.” A cornucopia of engaging facts and anecdotes, this superbly researched compendium presents a wealth of incisive entries alongside stunning photos by the author and beautiful historic prints and watercolors. Myers provides brief biographies of prominent figures in ornithology—such as John Gould, John Latham, Alfred Newton, and Robert Ridgway—and goes on to describe the etymological history of every common group bird name found in standardized English. She interweaves the stories behind the names with quotes from publications dating back to the 1400s, illuminating the shared evolution of language and our relationships with birds, and rooting the names in the history of ornithological discovery.Whether you are a well-traveled birder or have ever wondered how the birds in your backyard got their names, The Bird Name Book is an ideal companion.
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Author of several earlier titles including Wildlife of Southeast Asia (CH, Jan'17, 54-2226) and Birds of Borneo (CH, May'10, 47-5018), Myers is also a tour leader for WINGS Birding Tours Worldwide (https://wingsbirds.com/). Worldwide in scope but focused on bird names used in English-language literature (not birds per se), this extraordinary compilation deals with them all--924 terms, each represented by an article sometimes a page in length. Many terms cover general groups, such as woodpecker (234 species), sparrow (98), and hummingbird (81), but numerous others have just one member, including osprey, mallard, and sora. Myers traces the etymology of each term, involving languages ranging from Greek, Old English, and German to Maori, Hindi, Polynesian, and myriad others, with helpful translations and appropriate diacritical marks. Enhancements include 236 illustrations, mostly modern photographs, but including reproductions of some charming paintings many centuries old. With 615 chapter notes, two overly brief glossaries explaining just 27 items, and biographical sketches of 39 relevant biologists, this is a virtuoso performance and a work of intense scholarship. Authoritative sidebars illuminate complex taxonomic issues. The book design and format are attractive and the volume is sturdy. No other title on bird nomenclature has a similar focus, making this a valuable reference work for academic and public libraries. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers. --Henry T. Armistead, formerly, Free Library of Philadelphia