Birds of Prey of Britain and Europe

By Dr Miroslav Bouchner
Illustrated by Can Bárta

A concise guide in colour

Birds of prey, including the nocturnal hunters – owls, are often considered tot be among the word’s most exciting creatures. A bird of prey the size of a domestic chicken is a very formidable animal ideally adapted for its role as a predator or, in the case of vultures, a scavenger. The diurnal raptors, hunting mainly by day, are not related to owls but owls have been included here because of their similar mode of life.

In this Concise Guide Dr Bouchner introduces the reader to the biology of birds of prey of Britain and Europe with sections dealing with their anatomy and behaviour including breeding habits and hunting methods, amplified with carefully considered line drawings. The identification of these magnificent birds play a vital role in their study with eighty-eight plates in full colour, including paintings of many species in flight, together with an accompanying description, the author describes the fifty-five British and European owls and raptors including some rare visitors such as the American Swallow-tailed Kite.

Anyone interested in birdwatching and birds of prey in particular will find this compact volume an invaluable identification aid.