The Book of Birds | Robert Macfarlane & Jackie Morris

The Book of Birds: A Field Guide

Extended Synopsis

From the creators of the internationally bestselling phenomenon The Lost Words comes The Book of Birds, a dazzling celebration of birdlife that re-imagines the classic field guide for a new generation of nature lovers. Recognizing that around 50% of global bird species are currently in decline, this powerful volume serves as a compendium of forty-nine endangered or declining species, from the Avocet to the Yellowhammer.

This is a field guide with a profound difference: rather than simply asking "What is that bird?", it asks "Who is that bird?" Robert Macfarlane uses lyrical precision and playfulness to evoke each bird's habits, habitats, and the threats that shadow them. Complementing the text is Jackie Morris's exhilarating artwork, masterfully painted in watercolor and gold. Woven throughout are seven sections celebrating the "Seven Wonders" of birds—Nest, Egg, Beak, Song, Feather, Flight, and Migration—making this seven-years-in-the-making project both a treasured reference and a clarion call for conservation.

Author Biography

Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris are the award-winning, internationally acclaimed creators of The Lost Words. Macfarlane is a celebrated nature writer renowned for his incantatory and lyrical prose, while Morris is a beloved illustrator whose distinctive, life-affirming artwork—often rendered in watercolor and gold—captures the intricate beauty of the natural world.

Reader Targeting

• Birdwatchers, ornithologists, and general nature enthusiasts.
• Fans of the duo's previous bestselling work, The Lost Words.
• Readers passionate about wildlife conservation, environmentalism, and high-quality nature illustration.

Accolades & Key Highlights

• Stunning Visuals: Features breathtaking watercolor and gold artwork by Jackie Morris.
• Conservation Focus: Spotlights 49 distinct bird species that are currently declining or endangered.
• Comprehensive Sections: Includes special segments dedicated to the "Seven Wonders" of birding, such as Migration, Song, and Flight.

Bibliographic & Physical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Book of Birds about?
It is a re-imagined field guide that profiles forty-nine declining or endangered bird species, focusing on how humans can identify with them on a deeper, more empathetic level to promote conservation.

Does the book include illustrations?
Yes, the book is heavily illustrated with exquisite watercolor and gold artwork by Jackie Morris, bringing the lifeway of each species vividly to life.

Who are the authors of this guide?
The book is written by Robert Macfarlane and illustrated by Jackie Morris, the same creative team behind the internationally bestselling phenomenon The Lost Words.

Bust-Down Books: More Than a Bookstore