The Archaeology of Wild Birds in Britain and Ireland tells the story of human engagement with birds from the end of the last Ice Age to about AD 1650. It is based on archaeological bird remains integrated with ethnography and the history of birds and avian biology. In addition to their food value, the book examines birds in ritual activities and their capture and role in falconry and as companion animals. It is an essential guide for archaeologists and zooarchaeologists and will interest historians and naturalists concerned with the history and former distribution of birds.
1. Introduction
2. Ravens and crows
3. Raptors and owls
4. Fenland birds
5. Game birds
6. Waders
7. Songbirds
8. Ducks, geese, and swans
9. Pigeons
10. Seabirds
11. Gannets and cormorants
12. Auks and gulls
13. Hawks and hawking
14. Changing roles and perceptions
Appendix: list of assemblages referred to in the text with bibliographic reference
Bibliography
Index
