Helm Dictionary of Scientific Bird Names

Certainly a reference book but you might just find yourself browsing this fascinating dictionary. Have you ever wondered where some of the scientific names of birds are derived from? Why are Treecreepers specifically called familiaris (which means tame/household), for instance? Well, apparently, there was a Finnish custom of using tame Treecreepers in the house as a form of mobile insect destroyer. You might purchase this as the scholarly book that it is, but also buy it as a fascinating compendium, to dip into at your leisure.

Book reviewed by Su Gough