A Dictionary of Scientific Bird Names - Hardcover

Jobling, James A.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0198546343 ISBN 13: 9780198546344

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1992

Synopsis

Containing over 8,500 entries, A Dictionary of Scientific Bird Names is the first book to explain the derivation and meaning of all valid scientific bird names. This valuable reference defines each name part separately to avoid the confusion of future revisions--a name like Passer domesticus will only be found as the separate entries Passer (sparrow) and domesticus (domestic). Other entries provide fascinating details and helpful information. We learn, for example, that lewis is derived from explorer Meriwether Lewis, and decussatus indicates that a bird is marked with X-shaped crosses. And an informative introduction discusses the ways in which birds have been named for their appearance, for a person or place, or some aspect of their habitat, food, or voice.
With a full bibliography and extensive cross-references, A Dictionary of Bird Names will find a permanent place on any bird-lover's shelf.

About this title

About the Author

About the Author:
James A. Jobling is a member of various ornithologists' unions and a fellow of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

Review

`Every now and again, along comes a book which fills such an obvious gap in one's library that purchase is automatic and immediate. This is one such book. This one deals only with scientific names, but it is by far the most comprehensive, covering the generic and specific scientific name of
every one of the world's bird species.'

`This book's clear typography and good design make it a pleasure to use. It is an essential addition to every serious ornithological library. As well as using this book for reference purposes, many birdwatchers will find it pleasurable and intriguing for browsing in during idle moments.' British
Birds, December 1991

'Every now and again, along comes a book which fills such an obvious gap in one's library that purchase is automatic and immediate. This is one such book ... it is by far the most comprehensive, covering the generic and specific scientific name of every one of the world's bird species. This
book's clear typography and good design make it a pleasure to use. It is an essential addition to every serious ornithological library. As well as using this book for reference purposes, many birdwatchers will find it pleasurable and intriguing for browsing in during idle moments.'
J.T.R. Sharrock, British Birds, Volume 84, Number 12, December 1991

'Mr Jobling reveals all ('field-dwelling', 'woodworm-eating' and 'bald-necked') with great charm.'
Bath and West Evening Chronicle

`Michael Corballais tackles fascinating questions with a remarkable blend of erudition, clarity and humour. The book is compelling reading because of the inherent fascination of the theme.' The Higher

'A book that fills a gap, essential for anyone who has ever wondered about the language, origin and even the logic behind scientific names.'
Su Gough, BTO News, Jan/Feb '92

'The treatment is scholarly... Attractive drawings by Richard Fowling and the author decorate the text. Recommended to all ornithologists with even a passing interest in scientific names.' Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club

'The result of Jobling's very meticulous but undoubtedly satisfying job is a really fascinating book! Many details on taxonomic history, behaviour or morphology, even of birds you m,ay never have seen, and probably never will see, become obvious. Highly recommended.'
Andre J van Loon, Dutch Birding 14: June 1992

'a Classical education will not elucidate all names, and Mr Jobling's labour of love is invaluable ... Throughout, there are informative gems ... everyone interested in the origins or meanings of bird names should buy this book.'
G.D. Field

'I consider the book to be invaluable.'
Malcolm Wilsdon, The London Naturalist, No. 71, 1992

'This is a comprhensive etymology for all currently valid generic and specific names of birds ... described between January 1758 and June 1990 ... a veritable aviary of liveliness. The introduction and the entries achieve conciseness and elegance of writing, full of fascinating facets -
historical, poetical and linguistic.'
P. Holt, Archives of Natural History 20 (1) 1993

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0198546343
• ISBN 13: 9780198546344
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 302
• Illustrator: Fowling Richard