This volume investigates the biological evolution, classification, and ecological status of wildfowl populations across Britain and Ireland. Author David Cabot, a recognized expert in the field, synthesizes scientific data on population trends and life cycles to provide a comprehensive overview of these avian species. The work frames the study of swans, geese, and ducks within the broader context of their environmental interactions and their long-standing presence in human mythology and cultural history.

The text serves as a dense, scholarly resource that maintains the rigorous standards expected of the New Naturalist Library series. Its combination of biological data and cultural history provides a comprehensive reference for both professional ornithologists and dedicated naturalists.