The Vanishing Mew Gull
A Guide to the Bird Names of the Western Palaearctic
$59.50
- Paperback
398 pages
- Release Date
14 July 2026
Summary
Modern taxonomic studies have created a revolution in the genetic sequencing of bird families and have resulted in confusing changes to the names of many species, particularly in the scientific nomenclature. This book presents all the birds of the Western Palaearctic under the latest taxonomic scheme followed by the International Ornithological Congress. The geographic scope embraces about 10% of the world’s bird species, covering almost 1,100 in total. Each species is considered in order, di…
Book Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781784276492 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10: | 1784276499 |
| Author: | Ray Reedman |
| Publisher: | Pelagic Publishing |
| Imprint: | Pelagic Publishing |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Number of Pages: | 398 |
| Release Date: | 14 July 2026 |
| Dimensions: | 234mm x 156mm |
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What They're Saying
Critics Review
With so much interest in the nomenclature of birds, Ray Reedman’s latest book provides a timely addition to the genre… a very accessible, informative, and genuinely enjoyable read.
– Jon Carter * BTO News *absolutely spot-on… I very much look forward to losing myself repeatedly and often in its pages.
– John E. Riutta * The Well-read Naturalist *This book is a must-have for anyone with a serious interest in ornithological etymology!
– Ian Paulsen * The Birdbooker Report *I’d suggest that every bird club in the country ought to get a copy of this book… Is it an impressive achievement - yes it is.
– Mark Avery, author and environmental campaignerIt’s full of stuff I knew, and a great deal more that I did not. I know just how many hundreds of hours go into researching this stuff and admire it greatly. The result is accessible, fascinating and very nicely put together. Terrific!
– Bo Beolens * fatbirder.com *There is a lot of interesting information in this book, and many Western Palearctic birders will learn much from it.
– Nigel Redman * British Birds *Ray Reedman explains in a fascinating way the origin of both the common names and the scientific names of our Western Palaearctic birds… This is certainly a must-have book for anyone interested in birds.
– Hein van Grouw * IBIS *…a well-researched reference for professional ornithologists, birders, and listers through to those with only a minor interest. However much one knows, there is bound to be something intriguing.
– Richard Mearns * Ornithological Applications *Be prepared to learn plenty! …The book’s format is pleasantly easy to navigate or to dip in and out of at will. I found it addictive and absorbing.
– Josh Jones * Birdwatch *I believe that this book will remain for many years the must-have reference for anyone wanting to know the etymology of English and Latin bird terms.
– Bruno Massa * Avocetta *About The Author
Ray Reedman
After graduating in French in 1962, Ray Reedman taught at an independent school, retiring as Senior Master in 1998. He has since focused on a variety of activities related to ornithology, including organising programmes, courses and field trips. He has also travelled and birded extensively abroad. His 2016 publication, Lapwings, Loons and Lousy Jacks: The How and Why of Bird Names, blends his love of language, literature and history with his enthusiasm for all matters ornithological.
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