Bibliography

(Note: The following summaries are taken from the French editions).

Identification of all bird species present in the Western Palearctic region.

• Information on migration and geographic distribution of various species during both breeding and wintering periods. All illustrated with 500 small maps.
• The defining traits of the bird order and their characteristics: bird topography, molting, calls and songs, behavior, and diet...

For each species:

• numerous details on the plumage of males, females, and juveniles at different ages.
• similar species or those prone to confusion.
• more than 400 color plates allow immediate identification of the bird when perched or its silhouette in flight.

Fully adapted for the French-speaking edition, this book often indicates the presence, even occasional, of species in France, Belgium, and Switzerland. (Ref: Birds of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Lars Jonsson. Les guides Nathan edition.)



With a PhD in biology, Hermann Heinzel is internationally known for his talents as a wildlife painter and ornithologist. He has lived in France for over 15 years.

This classic ornithological guide allows recognition of all birds of France, Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. An illustrated table of contents—which serves as an identification key—and two indexes (common names and Latin names) help quickly find a bird among more than 900 species.

Texts, maps, and illustrations, presented on the same page for each species, provide all necessary information for determining age, sex, and notable subspecies.

• Over 900 species from France, Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
• More than 3,000 drawings by one of the greatest wildlife painters.
• A new edition of a major classic, completely redesigned, repainted, rewritten, and extensively expanded.

(Ref: Heinzel Guide to the Birds of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Hermann Heinzel, Richard Fitter, John Parslow. Delachaux et Niestlé edition.)



The canton of Vaud, one of the largest in Switzerland (the 4th largest, covering 7.8% of Swiss territory), encompasses a large variety of typical habitats found in the country: from Jura ridges and forests, through vineyards on hillsides, the intensively farmed and densely populated Central Plateau, lakes with remnants of former marshes, to the alpine summits (the Diablerets reaching 3210 m). Thus, the birdlife of this region—which is the subject of this sixth special edition of Nos Oiseaux—can be considered representative of Switzerland. Indeed, out of 368 bird species recorded in Switzerland, 357 (97%) have been observed in the canton of Vaud.

With all the detailed information on the distribution and phenology of each species, this book is much more than a simple inventory. It serves as a source of information for naturalists, helping them plan their excursions based on the birds they wish to see. It provides researchers interested in biogeography or ecology with precise data on species distribution and abundance. Finally, it is a working tool for bird protection and nature conservation, particularly due to comparative data on changes in avifauna composition, species distribution, and population sizes.

This avifaunal compendium will serve as a reference for ornithologists for decades to come and should help prioritize the conservation of birds and their habitats.

(Ref: Birds of the Canton of Vaud. Emile Sermet and Pierre-Alain Ravussin. Imprimerie Cornaz SA, Yverdon.)



An essential field guide for identifying and learning about the main bird species of Europe.

• 1,400 photos display plumage differences: colorful breeding plumages of males, duller plumages of females, non-breeding and juvenile plumages.
• The color band and silhouette at the top of each page indicate the bird group and family or subfamily to which the species belongs.
• The accompanying text provides information on general characteristics, voices, behaviors, habitat, reproduction, and diet.
• 400 maps show distribution areas.

The indispensable guide for anyone—from amateurs to experienced ornithologists—who wants to know more about European birds.

(Ref: Nature Guide: What Bird Is This? Detlef Singer. Nathan edition.)



Light and practical, this is a true field guide you will always want to carry with you. With nearly 300 species presented, 300 color photos, and hundreds of drawings, this book is as comprehensive as the best reference guides. For each bird described, the text, enhanced with colored pictograms, details its appearance including differences by sex and season, its habitat, and biotope.

This guide also provides all the information needed to identify birds by silhouette, recognize their nests and eggs, and offers practical advice on attracting them to your garden or balcony.

(Ref: The Guide to the Birds of France. Maurice Dupérat. Reader’s Digest Selection.)



With this guide, I hope to add to your lakeside walks the pleasure of discovering this part of our environment. I invite you to deepen your observation and preservation of natural heritage. I took these photos in Switzerland, featuring wild individuals.

For each species, you will find:

• a photo and the location where it was taken
• a description
• the optimal observation period
• size (from the tip of the beak to the end of the tail)
• wingspan, weight, and longevity

At the end of the guide:

• a bird description
• a feather identification game
• an alphabetical index (French - German - English - Latin)
• suggestions for walks
• ideas for further exploration

(Ref: Birds of the Lakes in Switzerland. Joël Bruezière. Jordi edition, 3123 Belp.)