The County Avifaunas are a growing series giving full details of the status and range of every species recorded in the county in question. Each title covers all species on the county list, with a detailed breakdown of rarity records, and each has introductory sections describing the county's general ecology, climate, weather patterns, its ornithological history and conservation record.

Dorset is noted for its expanses of heathland and coastal reedbeds. The combination of these nationally scarce habitats and a mild climate make Dorset a stronghold for some of Britain's rarest breeding birds. It also holds important seabird cliffs as well as several bird-rich estuaries and inland reservoirs. The county's rarity record is impressive - Portland Bill is particularly productive in this respect. This new avifauna looks at the range and status of every species recorded in the county, using data gathered over many years by the very active local group - the Dorset Bird Club. The book will also have many line drawings provided by the club.