The natural beauty and diversity of birds have fascinated us for centuries. Since their first appearance in the art of ancient Egypt, birds have proved to be a popular and enduring subject for artists who have sought to capture the majesty of these wondrous creatures. Bringing together a collection of artworks depicting birds from the Renaissance to the present, this book reveals how and why birds continue to captivate. Showcasing the forms, movement and colour of a variety of species, and exploring cultural symbolism as well as concerns around climate change and biodiversity loss, it is not only a delightful visual journey but also a pertinent reminder of our impact on the natural world.

Tim Batchelor is an Assistant Curator at Tate Britain. When he is not in galleries and museums looking at paintings he can be found in the forests, marshes and reedbeds of Essex and Suffolk searching for birds.