British Birds: A photographic guide to every common species (Collins Complete Guide)

I used this book to identify all the birds I had seen on a recent trip to Norfolk, England. I must prefer photos to painted birds, and this book delivers that beautifully. I found all of my "unsure" species and the book is in tip top shape.

Moving to the Forest of Dean has brought me into contact with new bird species, so I needed a manual to identify those that were strange to me. I already have a general natural history guide to the UK, but it’s rather cumbersome and not the easiest volume to consult.The aspect of the Collins guide that I most appreciate is the placement of the photographs of the birds on the page opposite the data. This prevents the need to be constantly flicking from text to the page containing illustrations and makes the book very user friendly. It’s also just about small enough to take out on walking trips, though its weight is a factor since it’s printed on good quality paper!There’s all the information a casual bird spotter could want. The birds are grouped by type and small graphs give details of periodic incidence. Colour coded maps indicate where they are likely to be found in the country. And the text presents additional details of plumage and habit. The photographs aid identification with illustrations of both genders, where necessary, and of juveniles and birds in flight, where this will help.It’s a good practical guide and will get a lot of use over the seasons. A useful and well presented work of reference.

Full of stunning pictures it is a lovely reference book and my grandchildren love it. Helps them identify the birds in the garden and Fields suitable for any age right up to my age 69

It includes everything and has pictures so you can easily identify the birds you see. Bought as a present and he loved it.

Met expectations

Liked - UK Birds only with descriptions and glossy pictures together - covers all the birds you would normally see in the UK with a number of rare migrantsSoft backed and small enough to carry around.

Really detailed. Great photos. Good for adults or older children.