Birds of Cyprus

Oliver and Boyd, 1958

Cyprus has always been of great interest to naturalists. Its geographical position makes it of special concern to the ornithologist for, lying almost due north of Suez and the Delta of the Nile, it is in the path of countrless migratory birds passing to and from Europe and Asia, and their winter quarters om Africa. Indeed, of the 342 species and subspecies discussed here, only a small proportion are permanent residents, though summer visitors swell the breeding season. Of the permanent residents, 14 are of particular interest as being peculiar to Cyprus. Each species is described separately in terms of appearance, distribution, migration and breeding habits. A great many birds are illustrated in line drawings by the late George E Lodge and other famous artists, and there are 16 full page colour plates depicting 44 species by Reid-Henry and Green. In addition there are 14 full page half tone plates by the late Henry Jones. The information given includes a description of the topography and vegetation of the island, an analysis of temperature and rainfall, a complete history of the ornithology of Cyprus and a compendium of the many ornithologists who have contributed to our knowledge of the island's birds. The book includes a fold-out map of the island...