Whose Bird?: Men and Women Commemorated in the Common Names of Birds - Softcover

Bo Beolens & Michael Watkins

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0713666471 ISBN 13: 9780713666472

Publisher: Helm, 2003

Synopsis

Birders often wonder about the people commemorated in the names of many of our familiar bird species. Was Bonaparte's Gull named after Napoleon? Was the Pallas who named Pallas' Warbler the same individual as the discoverer of Pallas' Sandgrouse, and if so did he discover the two birds at the same time, on the same journey? Who was the Lady Amherst who gave her name to one of the world's most spectacular yet secretive pheasants? This book answers these questions and many more by presenting a potted biography of every individual who has given their name to a species of bird.The biographies detail the life and work of the individual involved, often revealing fascinating insights about the nature of bird study and exploration in the centuries gone by. 2235 birds and 1124 individuals are covered in the texts, and all available details are given for the handful of names which could not be traced. This reference is illustrated throughout with portraits of the individuals concerned and line drawings of the birds that bear their names.

About this title

Product Description:

Who was the Adélie of penguin fame? How did the person who named Pamela's Sunbeam get it wrong? And was Bonaparte's Gull named after Napoleon? The answers are all in this A-Z of individuals who have given their name to a species of bird. Altogether the book covers 2,246 birds in potted biographies of 1,124 people, plus information boxes on topics - among them taxidermists, New Zealanders and the East India Company - connected with the scientific discovery and study of birds.

Review:

"Something of interest and value for anyone who enjoys birds."

About this edition

• Publisher: Helm
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0713666471
• ISBN 13: 9780713666472
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 400