Collins Complete British Animals: A photographic guide to every common species (Collins Complete Guide)

I got this book during my countryside management course to increase my identification skills and general knowledge of the environment. it suited me perfectly with concise information, and a wide range of species. along with its excellent photographic illustrations showing you the species as you would. it is great book for naturalists old and young, with such a wide audience the book is easy to read and quick to find the species that you're looking for. i would recommend this to anyone.

British Animals by Collins is and ideal addition to my collection of Collins Complete Guide books. It gives me a complete reference I need on that subject.. I did need to purchase a plastic cover for it as this keeps the books in good condition. I have been using Collins Complete Guides for a number of years and find them excellent and perfect for my needs.

Big clear pictures showing different angles and detailed descriptions of each mammal are a big seller for this book, which is n excellent guide to have on hand if you have an interest in wildlife. Would be very good for beginners

Compelling reading

Very informative and great photos

This is the second copy I have bought of this book - good, efficient summary of British animals. I refer to it a lot and am now giving one as a present to stop the person borrowing mine all the time. Does exactly what it says on the tin. Buy it!

clear pictures

Interesting book for a novice like me. Gives you enough information to know some things but it gives enough to allow you research more information through other means. Easy, understandable, informative.

This book narrows down to focus only on the wild animals of Britain and Ireland (and the surrounding islands) and doing a good job with them, though it covers more than it seems at first impression. Here is the index: Introduction p.4 Species Descriptions p. 30 - Mammals p.30 - Reptiles p. 160 - Amphibians p. 174 Observing Animals p. 192 Further Reading p.220 Useful Websites and Telephone Numbers p. 220 Index p. 221 Picture Credits p. 224 ("Mammals" includes sea mammals such as whales and seals as well as bats and rodents.) For each species, it includes: the Latin order and family, the common name, measurements (in centimeters!) and weight (in grams!), a range map, a little chart showing activity by months of the year, a description of the adult (male and female) and the juvenile, a short description of its voice, a discussion of its habitat and status, a description of its habits and natural history (habits, feeding habits, their homes and territories, all about the young, and mating), and some observation tips. Each (except for the minor species) have two pages, one with a the pictures (a round picture of the adult, often one of male and one of female on a background picture of their habitat sometimes with a labeled den or track) and the other with the written information and usually pictures of some of the following: the young, other color variations, tracks, droppings, or other signs. In the "introduction" the author gives information about how to use the book, a glossary, a discussion of basic biology (of amphibians, reptiles, and mammals), a description and discussion of the habitats, a talk through the "animal watcher's calendar" (a discussion of animal activity for each month), and then talks about conservation. In the "observing animals" section, the author talks about ways to view the different animals, and then gives pictures of animal skulls, horns, droppings (including a detailed spread on the different vole bones that could be found in owl pellets!), tracks, and other signs. Relatively small and paper back, this book might be useful in the field (I got it for reference, and I don't live in Britain, so I don't know!). I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to know wild British animals especially if they also want to know how to interpret various tracks and signs!