Vanishing birds: Their natural history and conservation

by Tim Halliday

Vanishing Their Natural History and Conservation

296 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1978

About the author

Tim Halliday is a professor emeritus of biology at Open University in the UK. Professor Halliday's academic specialty was in the study of newts, toads, and frogs. He researches declining amphibian populations worldwide. He was the amphibian consultant for Animal: The Definitive Visual Guide, which Outside magazine called "the ultimate zoological reference."

Reviews

[Haaze · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book about bird conservation. It is a bit dated as it provides a snapshot of the situation in the early to mid 1970s. However, that being said it is also its unique strength as it allows one to potentially continue to pursue researching the situation of these bird species and their current status. Halliday provides excellent evolutionary and ecological information for the birds he focuses on, while simultaneously pointing out the combination of factors that led to their demise. In addition, he discusses the history of iconic species such as the Dodo, the Great Auk, the Passenger Pigeon (flocks up to 300 miles long and 3 miles wide according to Audubon!!!!), the Carolina Parakeet and many more. Each one providing information about what we can do today to protect and conserve bird species. Ultimately, an inspiring book that I highly recommend to anybody interested in birds as well as conservation biology.

[Andrew Esposito · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wrote this review on amazon.com fifteen years ago. It's a great source book that no doubt spawned many later updated offerings on the subject of endangered and extinct birds. Always a pleasure to see it on my bookshelf.

This volume is one of the most accessible references for extinct birds. Cramped with 'prose like' descriptions of the history, demise and, with rare birds, the conservation, this study is a comprehensive overview of most relevent species. This is a mandatory addition to any natural history collection. Great glossy watercolour prints throughout also enhance the appeal to the reader.