Book Review - Habitats of Europe: A Field Guide for Birders, Naturalists, and Ecologists - Princeton University Press

 

     Whenever I lead bird walks for novices, at some point I am inevitably asked, "How did you see that?" I am quick to point out that knowing the habitat of the species is key to finding the bird. It is equally true of course for the salamander, weasel, pimpernel or sedge. Habitat recognition is critically important.

     Princeton University Press has produced another title in the "Habitats of..." series, and I think it is apparent to any serious student of nature, that guides such as this should be a standard part of a well-stocked library. 

      Like all others in the series, Habitats of Europe is extremely well done, filled with a cornucopia of information and an incredible (and I mean incredible) suite of images. Every single page is loaded with full colour illustrations pertinent to the chapter at hand, complementing the text in superb fashion.

     In fact, before starting to read the book I would recommend carefully going through it, page by page, to really absorb the overall impact of the work. You will quickly grasp just how perfectly text and image mesh and you’ll be already yearning for more.

     Permit me the liberty of just one example. On page 344 there is a picture of a White-headed Duck. The caption to the picture states, "White-headed Duck, a scarce species found in s. and e. Europe, favours complexes of smaller ponds and reedbeds." There, in one brief sentence you know the name of the species, its conservation status, where it might be found, and its habitat preference. Brilliant!

     The introductory sections are comprehensive and informative. I would urge everyone not familiar with the Köppen Climate Classification system, to become familiar with it. It is easy to understand, easy to use, yet precise.

     The biomes of Europe are covered as follows: Conifer Forests; Deserts; Temperate Broadleaf Woodlands; Savannas; Grasslands and Steppes; Mediterranean Shrublands; Tundra; Freshwater Habitats; Saline Habitats; Anthropogenic Habitats.  Each classification is broken down in great detail. Everyone needs to understand the mechanisms of each habitat and how they are in many instances inter-related. For example, how do ground-nesting birds on the Tundra exploit other habitats during the non-breeding season?

     If I am waxing effusive in my praise of this book, it is because I think it deserves no less.

     Don't hesitate to get your hands on a copy right away - and you will be effusive too!

Habitats of Europe: A Field Guide for Birders, Naturalists, and Ecologists - Princeton University Press

Paperback - US$35.00 - ISBN: 9780691245171

432 pages - 5.875 x 8.25 inches (14.69 x 20.625 cm)

465 colour photographs - 52 illustrations - 70 diagrams - 43 maps

Publications date: 02 December, 2025