Book description
One of Britain's rarest breeding birds, the Golden Oriole is also one
of its most charismatic. Females are a vivid green, while the males of
this species are a stunning yellow and black, with an extraordinary and
unforgettable song. A long-distance migrant, the orioles return to breed
in early May at just a few sites, almost all of which are in Suffolk.
Jake Allsop and Paul Mason's The Golden Oriole looks in detail at the
biology of this spectacular species, with sections on breeding biology,
feeding ecology, evolution, population dynamics, mimicry, migration and
conservation, as well as a discussion of the biology of other species in
the genus. A colour section showcases this photogenic species to full
effect, complemented by high-quality black-and-white illustrations
throughout. The fascinating history of the bird's distribution is also
covered extensively, stemming from the authors' first-hand experience of
the battle to help the species retain a toehold in Britain. The Golden
Oriole is a much-admired bird, sought by serious and casual birders
alike for the beauty of its plumage and song, as well as for its rarity.
By bringing the biology of this elusive species to light, this book will
prove a popular addition to the Poyser list. Jake Allsop and Paul
Mason are the Secretary and Chairman respectively of the Golden Oriole
Group. Working closely with the RSPB, the GOG has monitored and helped
to protect the UK population of orioles in their fenland stronghold for
more than twenty years. Allsop and Mason were at the forefront of the
ultimately successful battle to save the orioles' last breeding area,
Lakenheath in Suffolk, from deforestation.
