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Birds Of Europe Field Guide Review

By Jeff Leave a Comment

Birds Of Europe Field Guide 2d Edition

Authors: Lars Svensson, Killian Millarney and Dan Zetterstrom

Published By: Princeton University Press, 2010, 448 pgs

Disclosure As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Birds Of Europe

When I received my review copy of this book I was a little hesitant because I didn’t know the size of my overseas readership and I couldn’t see how this would help my North American readers.  I was mistaken to say the least.

Great Graphics and Data

For each entry in this field guide the authors list:

  • An overview section that briefly touches on their size, range and other species they are known to flock or travel with.
  • A complete identification section that talks about their markings and how to tell them apart from other species they can be mistaken for.
  • A voice section that gives the unique characteristics of their vocalizations and how they can be discerned from other similar species.
  • Beautiful illustrations that show the birds in different situations like standing, sitting, pecking and flying so you can see all of the markings clearly.
  • Map range graphics showing the areas they inhabit at different times of the year.

What I Liked

As with any great field guide, this one includes a comprehensive guide to using it with clear explanations of terminology and legends.  It is a guide that can be used by a novice or experienced birder depending on the level of data one requires.

Even though this is a guide to the birds of Europe, there are sections at the back of the book dealing with Vagrants, Accidentals and Introduced and Escaped species that should also be of interest to North American birders.

What I Didn’t Like

Novices may find this a great guide for learning but may be overwhelmed with the volume of data early in their careers.  For them, this book would serve as a great reference once out of the field but the initial identifications for them could be better made with a smaller, more compact and shorter field guide.

The only other complaint I had is one every 40+ birder has with field guides: in order to chock it full of so much information, the type has to be really small.  If you need reading glasses, you better take them with you into the field.

Overall Rating

I give this guide a 4.5 out of 5 rating because of the quality of the information and presentation.  I would wholeheartedly recommend picking up a copy of Birds of Europe.

Affiliate Disclaimer

I received a review copy of this field guide from the Princeton University Press.  The link I use in this review is to Amazon.com and I will receive a commission if you purchase using that link.

This does not mean that I recommend products I don’t believe in.  I have not agreed to recommend a product just to receive a free copy of it.  To their credit, Princeton University Press provides these review copies with no strings attached.

Please see our Affiliate Disclosure page for more details.

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Filed Under: Books, Product Reviews Tagged With: birding field guides, birds of europe

About Jeff

I am an avid veteran birder who specializes in making back yards come alive with happy visitors! Let me teach you how!

Founder of BirdOculars.
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