Book Review: What Bird Is That?

What Bird Is That by Neville William Cayley

This field guide of Australian birds was first published in 1931 by Angus & Robertson Publishers. Written and illustrated by Australian ornithologist, author and artist Neville William Cayley (1886 – 1950), ‘What Bird is That?’  has been revised and re-published several times since its initial release which is testament to its continued popularity as a resource book on the subject.

The reader begins this book by getting to know a bit more about the author with an introductory preface about his work in the field of ornithology. The legacy of his beautiful watercolour plates is then highlighted in the context of Australian natural science illustration. 

Cayley has designed a book simplifying the science of bird classification which had previous depended upon categorising species and sub-species. He decided instead to create chapters based on bird habitat, making the book is an easy reference for the beginner wanting to identify a bird located in a specific environment such as a coastal or rainforest setting.

For the enthusiast wanting to provide the best custom aviary for Australian finches and parrots, ‘What Bird Is That?’ also provides a section dedicated to the topography of habitats. Aviary dimensions, weather considerations, specific plants and nesting materials can be provided for your birds based on this information.

I have ‘What Bird Is That?’  in my own collection and find it a valuable reference when considering the best housing for Australian native birds. When I discuss a Colorbond aviary design for parrots or finches with my customers, Neville Cayley’s book is always close at hand.