Collins New Naturalist – 62 – British Tits – Readers Union First Edition – 1979

Author: Perrins, Christopher
Publisher: Collins
Price: £24 including postage in the UK
Publication Date: 1979
Edition: Readers Union First Edition
Size: Octavo
Binding: Original green cloth. Dustwrapper
Condition: Very good plus in near fine dustwrapper

Condition:

Readers Union first edition. Dustwrapper artwork by Clifford and Rosemary Ellis. Imitation cloth bright and clean with clean text block. Very good plus in near fine, unfaded dustwrapper which has been price-clipped as usual. We usually have first editions of all the New Naturalist Series in stock, please contact us for more details.

British Tits: New Naturalist 62: A Brief Overview

Overview

British Tits, volume 62 in the Collins New Naturalist series, written by Christopher Perrins and published in 1979, is one of the most scientifically rigorous ornithological volumes in the series. It offers a comprehensive treatment of the tit family (Paridae and related species) in Britain, combining long-term field studies, experimental ecology, behaviour, population dynamics, and conservation.

The book stands out within the New Naturalist series for its strong grounding in modern ecological science, particularly drawing on decades of research from Wytham Woods and other intensively studied sites. It represents the point at which British ornithology fully embraced quantitative, hypothesis-driven ecology—without losing the series’ accessibility.

Author and authority

Christopher Perrins

Christopher Perrins was one of Britain’s most influential ornithologists of the twentieth century and later Director of the Edward Grey Institute of Field Ornithology, Oxford. His research on tits, especially the Great Tit, fundamentally reshaped understanding of:

• Breeding strategies
• Population regulation
• The relationship between birds and food supply

Few authors were better placed to write a definitive account of British tits, and the book draws directly on Perrins’s own pioneering work.

Scope and species covered

Core species

The book focuses on the resident and regularly breeding tits of Britain, including:

• Great Tit (Parus major)
• Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus)
• Coal Tit (Periparus ater)
• Marsh Tit (Poecile palustris)
• Willow Tit (Poecile montanus)
• Long-tailed Tit (Aegithalos caudatus)

Each species is treated in depth, with attention to both shared family traits and distinctive ecological strategies.

Structure and approach

Beyond description

British Tits is not an identification guide. Instead, it is structured around:

• Behaviour
• Breeding biology
• Population ecology
• Evolutionary strategy

Species accounts are integrated into thematic chapters, allowing comparison and synthesis rather than repetition.

Breeding biology and life history

Nesting and reproduction

A central focus of the book is the breeding ecology of tits, particularly their use of holes and nestboxes. Perrins examines:

• Nest-site selection
• Clutch size variation
• Timing of breeding
• Parental investment

The Great Tit and Blue Tit are used as model species to demonstrate how natural selection fine-tunes reproduction in response to environmental conditions.

Food supply and timing

One of the book’s most influential contributions is its analysis of the relationship between:

• Breeding timing
• Caterpillar abundance
• Woodland tree phenology

Perrins shows how mistiming—even by a few days—can dramatically reduce breeding success. This work laid the foundation for later research on climate change and phenological mismatch.

Behaviour and social organisation

Territoriality and dominance

The book explores:

• Winter flock structure
• Dominance hierarchies
• Age- and sex-related differences in survival

Tits are shown to be socially complex birds whose winter behaviour has direct consequences for breeding success the following spring.

Learning and adaptability

Tits are presented as highly adaptable and cognitively flexible. Perrins discusses:

• Problem-solving behaviour
• Exploitation of new food sources
• Rapid spread of learned behaviours

This adaptability helps explain their success in both woodland and urban environments.

Population dynamics

Regulation and limitation

A major theme is how tit populations are regulated. Perrins examines:

• Density dependence
• Competition for nest sites
• Food limitation
• Winter mortality

Rather than attributing population size to a single factor, the book presents a multi-layered ecological model, grounded in long-term data.

Experimental ecology

Unusually for a New Naturalist volume, British Tits incorporates:

• Manipulative experiments
• Nestbox studies
• Controlled comparisons

These are explained clearly, demonstrating how experimental methods can illuminate natural systems without diminishing respect for them.

Habitat, landscape, and human influence

Woodland management

The book analyses how:

• Woodland type
• Tree species composition
• Coppicing and planting

affect tit populations. Deciduous woodland emerges as particularly important for caterpillar-rich food chains.

Gardens and artificial habitats

Perrins also recognises the growing role of gardens, feeders, and nestboxes in supporting tit populations, while cautioning that artificial support does not replace habitat quality.

Conservation perspective

Although tits are generally common, the book adopts a preventative conservation stance. It highlights:

• Declines in specialist species (notably Willow Tit)
• Sensitivity to habitat simplification
• The importance of long-term monitoring

Tits are presented as indicator species, reflecting broader ecological health.

Style and scientific tone

Clarity with rigour

The prose is:

• Precise
• Data-informed
• Free of sentimentality

Graphs and tables are used where necessary, but always interpreted in plain language. The book assumes curiosity rather than specialist training.

Place within the New Naturalist series

Volume 62 represents:

• A mature phase of the series
• The integration of modern ecological science
• A bridge between amateur natural history and academic biology

It pairs particularly well with other avian volumes such as British Thrushes and Finches.

Concluding assessment

British Tits (New Naturalist 62) is one of the most intellectually substantial books in the entire series. Grounded in exemplary long-term research and written by the leading authority on the subject, it shows how familiar birds can illuminate fundamental biological principles.

Its lasting value lies in demonstrating that close observation, when combined with rigorous science, can transform everyday wildlife into a window on evolution, adaptation, and environmental change.

The Collins New Naturalist Series: A Brief Overview

Introduction

The Collins New Naturalist series is one of the most significant and enduring achievements in British natural history publishing. Launched in 1945 by William Collins, Sons & Co. (now HarperCollins), the series set out to provide authoritative yet accessible accounts of British wildlife, habitats, and ecological principles. Over the decades it has become both a scientific resource and a cultural artefact, revered by naturalists, collectors, researchers, and book lovers alike.

The longevity and influence of the series stem from its commitment to expert authorship, high editorial standards, and a consistent mission: to bring the study of nature to the general reader without compromising scientific integrity.

Origins and Founding Vision

The series emerged in post-war Britain, during a period when public interest in the natural world was expanding. Scientific knowledge had accelerated rapidly during the first half of the twentieth century, and there was a growing appetite for well-written, engaging texts that could bridge the divide between academic research and amateur natural history.

The founding editors—most notably Sir Julian Huxley, James Fisher, and Dudley Stamp—had a clear and ambitious vision:

• To promote ecological literacy among the wider public
• To document the natural history of the British Isles in a coherent, scientifically rigorous format
• To invite leading authorities in their fields to contribute specialist volumes
• To cultivate an informed readership capable of understanding conservation issues

This vision aligned with a broader national desire to reconnect with the British landscape after the dislocation of the war years.

The Early Volumes

The first title, Butterflies by E. B. Ford, set the tone for the series: scholarly yet readable, richly illustrated, and grounded in the most current scientific thinking of its time. The format was instantly recognisable: octavo hardbacks with striking dust-jacket designs by the celebrated artists Clifford and Rosemary Ellis. These covers remain iconic for their bold, stylised depictions of flora and fauna.

Early volumes covered a wide range of subjects, including:

• Birds
• Wild Flowers
• British Plant Life
• Mushrooms and Toadstools
• The Sea Shore

The series helped unify disparate strands of biological knowledge, presenting them in a systematic programme that readers could follow book by book.

Editorial Philosophy and Scientific Approach

The New Naturalist books have always been written by experts—academics, professional naturalists, ecologists, and field researchers—who bring first-hand experience and original research to their subjects.

Key editorial principles include:

1. Accuracy and Depth

Each volume is grounded in contemporary scientific understanding, often incorporating cutting-edge research. Many authors have been leading authorities in their fields.

2. Accessibility

Although scholarly, the books avoid jargon and are aimed at a broad readership. Field observations, historical anecdotes, and clear explanations help convey complex ecological processes.

3. Ecological Perspective

The series pioneered ecosystem-based approaches, examining species and habitats within broader environmental contexts. This ecological viewpoint was ahead of its time and has contributed to the series’ enduring relevance.

4. Long-term Documentation

Many volumes remain standards in their fields; some have become important historical records of environmental change across the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.

Design and Production

The visual identity of the series is a major part of its appeal. The Ellis designs, used for most of the twentieth century, are among the most recognisable dust-jackets in publishing history. They combine decorative patterning with scientifically accurate depictions, transforming each book into an artwork as well as a source of information.

Internally, the books are distinguished by:

• High-quality monochrome photographs
• Detailed diagrams and distribution maps
• Clear typography and durable binding

Collectors prize first editions for their craftsmanship and rarity, particularly those with unfaded, unpriced jackets.

Themes and Range of Subjects

The scope of the New Naturalist is unusually broad, covering:

• Individual species groups (e.g., dragonflies, bats, hedgehogs)
• Ecosystems and habitats (e.g., moorlands, woodlands, the sea shore)
• Geographic regions (e.g., the Hebrides, the New Forest, the Yorkshire Dales)
• Ecological phenomena (e.g., animal migration, climate and the landscape)
• Human–nature interactions (e.g., conservation, farming and wildlife)

This diversity ensures that the series provides a near-encyclopaedic survey of British natural history.

Evolution and Continuing Legacy

Despite changes in publishing and scientific practice, the New Naturalist series has continued into the twenty-first century with new volumes commissioned regularly. Contemporary authors maintain the tradition of expert, research-led writing, while incorporating modern ecological concerns such as:

• Biodiversity loss
• Rewilding
• Climate change
• Shifting baselines in environmental science

The series also serves as a historical archive, documenting ecological changes across nearly eighty years. Early volumes can be read alongside recent ones to trace shifts in species distribution, land use, and national conservation priorities.

Impact on British Natural History

The New Naturalist series has shaped generations of British naturalists, influencing both professional scientific development and amateur enthusiasm. Its contributions include:

• Inspiring careers in ecology, zoology, and conservation
• Providing reference texts for universities, libraries, and field groups
• Raising public awareness of environmental issues long before they became mainstream
• Preserving detailed accounts of habitats and species now threatened or transformed

For many readers, the series has been a gateway to lifelong engagement with the natural world.

Collecting and Cultural Status

Beyond its scientific importance, the New Naturalist series is a major collecting field. First editions in pristine condition can command high prices, particularly rare or limited print runs. The combination of scholarly value, artistic design, and bibliophilic appeal gives many volumes a dual identity as both scientific texts and cultural objects.

Special editions, including leather-bound or slip-cased versions, have added further layers of desirability among collectors.

Conclusion

The Collins New Naturalist series stands as a monumental achievement in British publishing and environmental education. It has succeeded, for nearly eight decades, in balancing scientific rigour with literary clarity, making complex ecological knowledge available to the general reader. Its influence on conservation, ecological awareness, and natural history writing is profound and enduring.

Through its expert authorship, iconic design, and unwavering commitment to quality, the series remains a cornerstone of British natural history and continues to inspire readers, researchers, and collectors alike.

Cataloguer: Daniel Hornsey of Hornseys, Ripon: Specialist Dealer in First Editions and Fine Copies of the Collins New Naturalist Series

Daniel Hornsey, a partner of Hornseys in Ripon, is widely regarded as a trusted specialist in the field of modern British natural history books, with a particularly strong reputation for handling first editions and fine copies of the Collins New Naturalist series. His expertise has been built over many years of professional bookselling, during which he has developed a deep understanding of the series’ publishing history, bibliographic nuances, and the specific qualities that distinguish truly exceptional copies.

As a long-standing member of the antiquarian book trade, he has advised private collectors, curated catalogues, and sourced works for leading dealers, libraries and institutions across the world.

Hornseys, an established independent bookshop and gallery, is known for its careful curation and its emphasis on quality. Under Daniel Hornsey’s guidance, the shop has become a respected destination for collectors seeking rare, well-preserved, and accurately described volumes. He is recognised for his meticulous approach to condition assessment, his knowledge of dust-jacket variants and print histories, and his ability to source scarce titles—including early post-war first impressions, fine first editions and variant editions.

Collectors value his transparency, his attention to detail, and his commitment to presenting books exactly as they are, without exaggeration. This reliability is essential in a field where subtle differences in condition or printing can dramatically influence desirability and value. Whether advising a new collector or assisting an experienced bibliophile in completing a long-standing run, Daniel Hornsey combines practical bookselling experience with a genuine enthusiasm for the New Naturalist series.

Through Hornseys, he continues to contribute to the preservation, appreciation, and responsible circulation of these landmark works of British natural history publishing.

Hornseys’ exhibit regularly at book and map fairs in London and throughout the UK and as long-established specialists in fine books, maps, prints and ephemera, Hornseys maintains full professional membership of the Provincial Booksellers Fairs Association (PBFA). The PBFA is one of the most respected trade bodies in the rare and antiquarian book world, with strict standards of expertise, authenticity and ethical trading. Our verified member listing can be viewed here: Hornseys – PBFA Member Profile.

Why buy from us?

At Hornseys, we are committed to offering items that meet the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our book collection is meticulously curated to ensure that each edition is a valuable and authentic piece of bibliographical history. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Authenticity and Provenance: Every book is researched, collated, and verified for authenticity.
• Expert Curation: Each book is selected with a keen eye for significance, condition, and rarity, ensuring a collection that is both diverse and distinguished.
• Customer Satisfaction: We strive to provide an exceptional customer experience, from detailed descriptions and provenance to secure and prompt delivery of your purchase.
• Returns Policy: We offer an unconditional guarantee on every item. If you wish to make a return, books may be sent back to us within fourteen days of receipt for any reason. We request advance notification of returns, and books must be returned in the same condition as sent for a full refund.

Explore Our Collection:

Visit Hornseys to explore our fine collection of rare and signed books. Whether you are an avid collector or looking for a special gift, our selection offers something truly unique. Located in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, our Ripon gallery has been a haven for book lovers, art enthusiasts, and collectors since 1976.

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