Extinct birds : $b An attempt to unite in one volume a short account of those birds which have become extinct in historical times

"Extinct Birds" by The Hon. Walter Rothschild is a detailed exploration of bird species that have vanished from the Earth over the last few centuries, alongside those nearing extinction. Bridging scientific research with visual aids, the book shines a light on the unique features of these lost birds and puts a strong emphasis on how human actions fueled their disappearance. Based on a lecture given in 1905, the author explains the difficulty of piecing together accurate accounts of these birds from scant remains and historical records, while extending appreciation to colleagues who have assisted with the research. Rothschild highlights the division of extinct birds into those identifiable from physical appearance and those known solely by skeletal evidence. The initial chapters establish the central theme of the book: examining the underlying causes of extinction, with a focus on the environmental impact and influence of humanity.