An Australian Bird Book: a Pocket-book for Field Use

Abstract

THIS useful book is intended as a pocket-book for field use to enable teachers and observers generally to name the birds they meet with. It deals with 395 species—a considerable proportion of the Australian avifauna, the balance being made up mainly of birds closely related to those of which illustrations are given, or of very rare birds restricted to a small area. The plan of the book is to indicate by numbers the strength and distribution of the various families of birds over the world in general, and especially in Australia, and to give a concise description of each species. This includes the local name or names (if any); its distribution in Australia; its status—whether stationary or migratory, comparative abundance, &c.; the kind of country it frequents; a short description of its size and plumage, and a few words as to its song or other notes, and its food. All the species are illustrated, and in the majority of cases are figured in colours as well as in black and white. The illustrations are, with few exceptions, from specimens in the National Museum.

An Australian Bird Book: a Pocket-book for Field Use.

By J. A. Leach. With introduction by Frank Tate. Pp. 200. (Melbourne: Whitcombe and Tombs, Ltd., 1911.) Price 3s. 6d.