About this Book

Authoritative and concise, with carefully selected, fully up-to-date information, this hardworking and exquisite reference covers every bird family worldwide, with detailed profiles of 500 carefully chosen representative species, both exotic and common. Features include clear, accessible text; systematic presentation of information based on the latest official checklists; detailed and accurate descriptions of every bird family with carefully selected accounts of representative species; worldwide distribution maps for every family; spectacular and informative colour photography by the world's leading wildlife photographers; state-of-the-art bird artwork; and, glossary, detailed index, and lavish production values. This title features a foreword by Jonathan Alderfer, field ornithologist, artist, author, and editor. It offers more than 900 illustrations, including NGS-quality photography by leading bird photographers, wildlife artists, and cartographers. Each family account includes information broken down by the following headings: Structure, Plumage, Behaviour, Voice, Habitat, Migration, Diet, Breeding, and Taxonomy. Each family account incorporates a fact panel that speaks to worldwide distribution and conservation. This title includes illustrated sidebars complement the family accounts, giving readers insights into bird behaviour, such as the courtship dance of the Birds of Paradise and the predatory tactics of the Harpy Eagle.