The Lapwing once had many regional names; the Loon has a British-American identity crisis and the respectable-sounding Apostlebird is often called a Lousy Jack. Why do bird names, both common and scientific, change over time and why do they vary so much between different parts of the English-speaking world? Wandering through the scientific and cultural history of ornithology takes us to the heart of understanding the long relationship between birds and people.
Lapwings, Loons and Lousy Jacks uncovers the stories behind the incredible diversity of bird names, explains what many scientific names actually mean and takes a look at the history of the system by which we name birds. Ray Reedman explores the natural history and folklore behind bird names, in doing so unlocking the mystery of the name Scoter, the last unexplained common name of a British bird species.
Editorial reviews
"The richness of names is something I celebrate along with the author. Moreover, his depth of research has taught me things I didn t know and I thank him for it.... this volume is full of fascination and fact that a great many birders will learn from and love." --Fat Birder
"a book you'll keep picking up to discover more" --Kelly Brenner, The Metropolitan Field Guide
"He writes as a birder, but also, as is very evident, as a man whose professional life has revolved around languages and literature, and I fear that in trying not to create a serious work of reference he has failed! I think I shall go back to this book again and again." --Mike Everett, British Birds
"This new book by Ray Reedman is a delightful addition to this subject, combining Ray s love of birds, language and history... A fascinating read." --Derek Toomer, BTO About Birds
"[A] very content-rich, informative and enjoyable book, well worth seeking out for those birdwatchers who are curious about naming etymologies." --Lennart Nilsson, Anser ornithology journal
"It is an exceptional reminder of how much linguistic diversity, heritage and history is hidden in our bird names." --Jurij Hanzel, Acrocephalus
"It is a playful, well informed personal meander through the technical stuff of ornithological nomenclature, explaining how and why bird names have evolved as they have. Yet it is also a book that takes pleasure in the ideals that humans have entertained about nature, and also in the delightful serendipity that has been at play when birds were christened." --Mark Cocker, Birdwatch magazine
Ray Reedman combines his love of birds and travel with a deep understanding of language and history. As a retired Senior Master of a successful independent school Ray rekindled a life-long love of the natural world by teaching courses on ornithology and travelling the world to watch birds.
