Recommendations wanted: Avian reference books

[LeeC]

I am interested in good books to learn more about parrot anatomy as well as to understand the physiology and biology of the parrots I keep. I would value suggestions for specific books.

 

[HeatherG]

You could find a current or near-current ornithology text; that’s where I started with undergraduate ornithology. I still have that book but it’s embarrassingly old now (ornithology by frank b gill) . Though birds are still put together the same, natural history hasn’t changed; classification and molecular biology has changed so some info is wrong.

I have an abridged copy of “avian medicine: principles an application” by Richie, Harrison, and Harrison that I check occasionally to answer questions. The problem with consulting a vet medical text is that you need a vocabulary and substantial understanding to use those texts. Just as I can access some of the same websites my dr uses, I don’t have the training to use that info as well as he does. I get SOME info from Dr google but it doesn’t replace consulting with my dr, examination, testing.

 

[LeeC]

Thanks, @HeatherG, but I am not interested in orniths, just parrots. I don't think I've even seen an ornith. (Lee humor)

The problem with recommending a vet medical text is that you need a basic vocabulary and understanding to use those texts.

I have many books that were over my head when I got them—and "in" my head after I worked through them. I have grad-level textbooks on such topics as liposomology, ballistics, injection molding, etc.

You might appreciate this one; a bit dated, but still fascinating.

Amazon.com

If a book is worth the work, to me, I'll do the work. :]

 

[HeatherG]

Thanks, @HeatherG, but I am not interested in orniths, just parrots. I don't think I've even seen an ornith. (Lee humor)



I have many books that were over my head when I got them—and "in" my head after I worked through them. I have grad-level textbooks on such topics as liposomology, ballistics, injection molding, etc.

You might appreciate this one; a bit dated, but still fascinating.

Amazon.com

If a book is worth the work, to me, I'll do the work. :]

I love finding old texts and going through them! Sorry I was not sure if you only wanted parrots.

As I recall there are reference books aimed at “exotic birds” but they will have much info gleaned from poultry studies, usually most info is intended for parrot type birds with some added info about ratites, raptors.

Amazon.com will give you publisher names and then you can go to individual company websites from there. I’ve found used texts on ebay as well; eBay certainly links many used book resellers.

 

[HeatherG]

BSAVA Manual of Psittacine Birds By: Nigel Harcourt-Brown (Editor), John Chitty​

Is listed now on ebay for about $100 US dollars.

Clinical Avian Medicine and Surgery by Harrison and Harrison​

from 1986 for $25.

And a copy of avian medicine, principles and practice by Ritchie, Harrison and Harrison from 1997 is still useful and about $25.

My point in previous post was that these texts about “avian medicine” are generally intended for use with pet parrots; if a book is intended for poultry/livestock it will be labeled “poultry”.

 

[LeeC]

Sorry I was not sure if you only wanted parrots.

Oh, no, I wasn't complaining or objecting. :] I was just making an ignorance joke because you pointed out the importance of a base vocabulary.

I would prefer to just focus on studying parrots, ideally; but, I realize that may not be possible in some cases.

Amazon.com will give you publisher names and then you can go to individual company websites from there.

That is a great idea—thanks!

This price-engine site for books has been around forever, and it is still useful.

Compare Book Prices - Buy, Rent or Sell College Textbooks

Compare book prices at dozens of online stores with 1 click. Find the best prices on new and used books, rental books and college textbooks.

www.allbookstores.com

 

[LeeC]

BSAVA Manual of Psittacine Birds By: Nigel Harcourt-Brown (Editor), John Chitty​

Is listed now on ebay for about $100 US dollars.

This is just what I was looking for!

Might you know how it compares to a seemingly-similar newer book by that publisher?

BSAVA Manual of Avian Practice | BSAVA Library

Authored by veterinarians with experience in all aspects of avian care, this manual is an essential tool for those in general practice who do not often see birds. Subjects including anatomy and physiology, husbandry, behaviour, examination, and surgical techniques are covered in detail; common...

www.bsavalibrary.com

Available on Amazon

Amazon.com

 

[HeatherG]

This is just what I was looking for!

Might you know how it compares to a seemingly-similar newer book by that publisher?

BSAVA Manual of Avian Practice | BSAVA Library

Authored by veterinarians with experience in all aspects of avian care, this manual is an essential tool for those in general practice who do not often see birds. Subjects including anatomy and physiology, husbandry, behaviour, examination, and surgical techniques are covered in detail; common...

www.bsavalibrary.com

Available on Amazon

Amazon.com

I don’t know how it compares. If you go to a book dealer most likely you’ll get a similar price. If you don’t mind a used or damaged book you can get that cheaper.

Sometimes you may find textbooks at thrift stores in university towns. My city has a famous st Vincent de Paul which occasionally boasts high value texts for only dollars.

Unfortunately I don’t have ROOM for all the books I would like to keep.