The successful conservation of bird species relies upon our understanding of their habitat use and requirements. In the coming decades the importance of such knowledge will only grow as climate change, the development of new energy sources and the needs of a growing human population intensify the, already significant, pressure on the habitats that birds depend on. Drawing on valuable recent advances in our understanding of bird-habitat relationships, this book provides the first major review of avian habitat selection in over twenty years. It offers a synthesis of concepts, patterns and issues that will interest students, researchers and conservation practitioners. Spatial scales ranging from landscape to habitat patch are covered, and examples of responses to habitat change are examined. European landscapes are the main focus, but the book has far wider significance to similar habitats worldwide, with examples and relevant material also drawn from North America and Australia.

'… this book provides the first major review of avian habitat selection in over twenty years. It offers a synthesis of concepts, patterns and issues that will interest students, researchers and conservation practitioners.'

Ian Paulsen Source: The Birdbooker Report (guardian.co.uk)

'The book is a valuable review of current understanding of how land and water birds select foraging, nesting, and migratory habitat in a region with a history of human land use reaching back eons. It is most useful for scientists, land managers, and educated bird enthusiasts. Recommended.'

D. Flaspohler Source: Choice

'This is a thorough and detailed review which will clearly interest ornithologists and conservation practitioners, but many of the early chapters are of value beyond the world of birds and would interest ecologists generally.'

Ian Powell Source: The Biologist

'The literature reviews are thorough and current not only for studies of European birds, but also for North American birds … this will be an important reference for anyone who is interested in studying population changes and habitat requirements of birds, or who is looking for guidance in how to manage habitats for birds.'

Robert A. Askins Source: Ecology

'… this book provides a useful overview of the habitat use and requirements of birds in changing landscapes and provides an informative account that will be of use to a broad readership. All of the chapters are well written.'

Mark C. Mainwaring Source: Biological Conservation