The Book of Birds — 49 British Bird Species

British: The Book of Birds is a 384-page illustrated field-guide-style book by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris, covering 49 bird species declining or endangered in Britain. It combines identification and natural-history details with lyrical prose and watercolour artwork, so it is suited to readers wanting an immersive book as well as reference material.

At a glance

Covers 49 bird species described as declining or endangered in Britain.
Combines bird identification with accounts of habits, habitats, song, nesting, threats and folklore.
Jackie Morris’s watercolour and gold artwork accompanies Robert Macfarlane’s prose.
Seven themed sections cover nest, egg, beak, song, feather, flight and migration.

Price

£24.89Save 29%

Reference price: ~~£35.00~~

Price checked: 12 Nov 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

Pairs identification information with natural-history context rather than focusing only on naming birds.
The stated 49-species scope gives the book a clear focus on British birds of conservation concern.
Illustrated, literary presentation may appeal to readers seeking an engaging gift or a book to browse, not just a practical field guide.

Cons

Its focus on 49 species means it is not presented as a comprehensive guide to all British birds.
The lyrical, illustrated format may be less convenient than a concise field guide for quick identification outdoors.

Technical specifications

9 specifications

Publication
Publisher	Hamish Hamilton
Publication date	7 May 2026
Edition	1st
Language	English
Print length	384 pages
ISBN-10	0241404738
ISBN-13	978-0241404737

Dimensions and installation
Weight listed	500 g
Dimensions	17.6 x 3.6 x 25.4 cm

What to know before buying

The listing describes the book as a guide to 49 species declining or endangered in Britain, buyers seeking a complete identification manual should note that narrower scope. The listed publication date is 7 May 2026, and the listing also carries 2026 prize-winner claims, these details are presented as listing claims.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Readers interested in British birdlife, conservation and natural history.
Fans of Robert Macfarlane’s writing or Jackie Morris’s illustrated books.
A gift for bird lovers who value artwork and storytelling alongside reference information.

Less suited to

Readers needing an exhaustive field guide covering all British bird species.
Those prioritising compact, quick-look identification while birdwatching outdoors.

The Book of Birds — 49 British Bird Species · photo 2 — Additional product photo 2

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.8 / 5 · 170 ratings

5 stars93%93%
4 stars4%4%
3 stars1%1%
2 stars0%0%
1 star2%2%

Customer feedback is strongly positive overall: the listing shows 4.8 out of 5 stars from 170 ratings, and the supplied comments praise the artwork, writing, informative content and breadth of species coverage. That response suggests the book’s illustrated, literary approach resonates with readers, the rating alone does not establish how useful it is for quick field identification.

Positive themes

Customers praise the watercolour illustrations and the combination of artwork and prose.
Feedback describes the writing style as lyrical and the content as informative.
Customers appreciate the range of bird species covered.

Frequently asked questions

How many bird species does the book cover?

The listing says it covers 49 species, all described as declining or endangered in Britain.

Is this a conventional field guide?

It is presented as a field guide with a difference: it includes identification information, but also natural history, stories and substantial artwork.

Who wrote and illustrated the book?

The listing credits Robert Macfarlane with the prose and Jackie Morris with the artwork.