RSPB Complete Birds of Britain and Europe Hardcover – 2 Sept. 2013

I am an extremely amateur and inexperienced birdwatcher but there are lots of waders and sea-birds near my home (in addition to the usual garden birds) so I thought I would get a book to help me identify them. Prompted by the low price and the positive reviews of other Amazonians, I picked this, and I'm very pleased I did because it's really beautiful and a joy to use. The information is very clearly presented in a way that will appeal to anyone from age 5-105. Each bird has a full-colour page of its own, so there is plenty of space to show pictures of juvenile and seasonal plumage, and maps of geographical distribution. At the start of each section, the birds of one type (eg gulls) are shown together so you can judge their relative sizes - I find this very useful. The only drawback to this book is that it is a reference work and therefore too big to take out and about - but it is incredibly useful for confirming what you have spotted when you get home.

The birdsong on the CD is incorrectly listed, meaning you'll be learning the wrong calls for some of the birds. Very big heavy book, and not very detailed, a lot of generalisation and not much depth. Get the Collins bird guides instead.

Lovely reference and coffee table book for all to enjoy. I live in Northern Europe (Iceland), and this is the best for all of Europe regions and migrating birds. Lovely illustrations and detailed descriptions of birds and their habits etc. Makes a wonderful gift too and affordable at Amazon.

My 8 year son old loves this book. Every page is interesting, brilliant photographs, well organised, clearly written, not too little information.

I had what was a strange bird arriving at my bird table , and after looking it up in this book , I fpound that I was looking at a Jay.A beautiful looking bird with striking colours.This bird book is great for identifying birds that are not frequent visitors

Fully deserves the 5 star rating, revised edition of the classic book. Pictures are excellent and unlike the bible of field guides (Collins) it gives more information on species habits and nesting details. A large bulky book, definitely one for the coffee table and not for use out in the field.

This was a gift for a dear friends birthday as she’s fond of watching/listening/and identifying. I have this book and go back to it all the time when I need to clarify what I’ve just seen. It’s great that you get the plumage colour not just in spring summer but also winter.It’s great having the disc to go with so both my friend and I are learning all the time. Great

I have lost my book which I loved so was extremely pleased to buy this again. I enjoy researching birds I have yet to see. Thank you so much.