Species by species, this text delves into the heritage of bird lore.

Birds have always been with us. Around them has grown up a substantial body of folklore, often regionally based and dating from as far back as the Druids. They have inspired writers throughout our history from the Celts through Chaucer, Shakespeare and Wordsworth to modern poets such as Ted Hughes.

The strength of regional identity in Britain is reflected in the wide variety of local names for each bird, while the folklore itself is often an intriguing blend of native and cross-cultural references.

With great skill and scholarship Francesca Greenoak examines and unravels the folklore of British birds, analysing the origins of names and the rich heritage of legend and lore so integral to our appreciation of the birds themselves. Alongside this it provides examples of the role particular species have played in poetry and prose.

The text is enhanced by line drawings from a number of leading illustrators.

Francesca Greenoak is the author of such books as God's Acre: Flowers and Animals of the Parish Churchyard, All the birds of the air: The names, lore, and literature of British birds and Wildlife in the Churchyard.