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Cover of Catalogue of British Columbia Birds

Catalogue of British Columbia Birds

Written by Francis Kermode

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Birds

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About this book

"Catalogue of British Columbia Birds" by Francis Kermode is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This work serves as a comprehensive list of bird species that have been recorded in British Columbia, detailing their distribution and frequency across various locations in the region. The opening of the catalogue introduces the author’s intent to create an inclusive inventory of the birds found in British Columbia, acknowledging some gaps regarding species distribution, particularly in the north and northeastern regions. Kermode expresses gratitude to local observers who contributed to his research with notes, lists, and specimens. He builds upon prior work by John Fannin, expanding the known bird population by adding new species to the previous count. The initial sections present detailed descriptions of various bird families and species, categorized systematically, complete with observations and details about their habitats and behaviors.

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Themes, characters and key ideas in Catalogue of British Columbia Birds, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 20 hours
  • intermediate
  • Informative
  • systematic
  • scientific

Francis Kermode's 'Catalogue of British Columbia Birds' is a seminal ornithological work, providing a systematic enumeration and description of avian species found within British Columbia. Published in the early 20th century, it serves as a detailed scientific record, documenting the presence, distribution, and characteristics of various bird populations. The catalogue is a crucial historical reference for understanding the region's biodiversity and the state of ornithological knowledge at the time of its publication, offering a foundational basis for subsequent ecological studies and conservation efforts.

“The object of the present work is to give a complete list of the birds of British Columbia, so far as known at the present time.”

Key themes

Classification and Systematization
The foundational theme is the scientific drive to classify, categorize, and systematically organize the natural world. Kermode's catalogue exemplifies this by meticulously listing and describing each bird species according to established taxonomic principles, providing a structured understanding of British Columbia's avian diversity.
Biodiversity and Regional Ecology
The book implicitly celebrates and documents the rich avian biodiversity of British Columbia. By detailing numerous species and their specific distributions within the province, it paints a picture of a vibrant and diverse ecosystem, reflecting the unique ecological niches and geographical features of the region.
Scientific Observation and Documentation
This theme underscores the critical role of careful, empirical observation and thorough documentation in natural history. The catalogue is a product of countless hours of field work, specimen collection, and meticulous record-keeping by Kermode and other naturalists, emphasizing the value of direct engagement with the natural world as the basis for scientific knowledge.

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