Finches & Sparrows - Hardcover

Clement, Peter

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0691034249 ISBN 13: 9780691034249

Publisher: Princeton University Press, 1998

Synopsis

Although some of the most familiar and colourful birds in the world are finches and sparrows, no comprehensive single-volume treatment of these families has appeared. Finches and Sparrows, another volume in an award-winning series, is an identification guide to the world's true finches and sparrows. For the first time all 290 species in the families Fringillidae, Estrildidae and Passeridae are described and illustrated in colour.
The 73 detailed colour plates by Alan Harris and John Davis illustrate every species, many races and most sex and age variations, almost 950 portraits in all. Over 280 colour maps accompany the plates and show breeding and wintering ranges for all species. The text focuses on identification with a full and detailed description of each species and, where relevant, its recognised races. Further sections on voice, status, behaviour and distribution, movements, and measurements complete the most comprehensive and up-to-date treatment available. The text is complemented with line drawings depicting wing patterns, bill and head shapes and other plumage details.
Finches and Sparrows is a landmark publication filling a yawning gap in the literature; it will help anyone identify unfamiliar species in the field and, although it is not primarily intended for cagebird enthusiasts, will also be an invaluable source of reference for those wishing to know more about the species encountered in captivity. For birdwatchers, conservationists and professional ornithologists it will be the standard reference for many years to come.

About this title

Review

One of Choice's Outstanding Academic Titles for 1994
"This is an exceptionally well-illustrated book, solidly produced, and chock-full of information for the serious birder's library or coffee table. It is a book to dip into or drool over while fancying beautiful and interesting birds in faraway places which we can hope to visit one day."--Audubon Naturalist News

"This is a major identification reference work covering a confusing and difficult group of species. It is a book that every ornithologist and serious birder will want to own. Most highly recommended."--Wildlife Activist

"The illustrations are attractive and useful for identification of all 290 finches. In many cases these are the best available color plates for the species."--Quarterly Review of Biology

Edition details

• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Publication date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0691034249
• ISBN 13: 9780691034249
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 510