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.Table of Contents1. Introduction2. Ravens and crows3. Raptors and owls4. Fenland birds5. Game birds6. Waders7. Songbirds8. Ducks, geese, and swans9. Pigeons10. Seabirds11. Gannets and cormorants12. Auks and gulls13. Hawks and hawking14. Changing roles and perceptions list of assemblages referred to in the text with bibliographic referenceBibliographyIndex