This book explores the intriguing world of the names of British birds. Uniquely the book examines in detail the wide range and meaning of local and common names, the derivation and meaning of the official vernacular English name and thirdly the same analysis of the birds' scientific name. The derivation and meaning of a bird's name gives a fascinating insight into our long and intimate relationship with birds and how much they have been a part of our lives for millennia. The historical derivation of names is given showing how birds ' names reflect our relationship with and changing knowledge...