Finches and Sparrows - Softcover

Clement, Peter

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0691048789 ISBN 13: 9780691048789

Publisher: Princeton University Press, 1999

Synopsis

Among the most familiar and colorful of birds, finches and sparrows occupy almost every type of habitat throughout the world--from the environs of the Dead Sea to agricultural lowlands to the tops of the Himalayas. However, no comprehensive single-volume treatment of these families has appeared until now. Finches and Sparrows, which combines nearly 950 color portraits with detailed descriptions of every species, is an easy-to-use identification guide for birdwatchers, conservationists, and ornithologists, who, along with cagebird enthusiasts, will find this book an invaluable reference.

For the first time all 290 species in the families Fringillidae, Estrildidae, and Passeridae are described and illustrated in color. The color plates feature every species, many races, and most sex and age variations, and the line drawings accompanying the text depict wing patterns, bill and head shapes, and other plumage details. Over 280 color maps show breeding and wintering ranges for all species. Sections on voice, status, behavior, distribution, movements, and measurements, together with information on species encountered in captivity, help make this the most comprehensive and up-to-date guide on these birds.

About this title

About the Author:

Peter Clement is a member of the British Birds Rarities Committee and is currently employed by English Nature. Alan Harris, voted British Birds "Bird Illustrator of the Year" in 1982, is that magazine's joint art consultant. John Davis won British Birds "Bird Illustrator of the Year" competition in 1991 and has twice won the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds' Fine Art Award.

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

About this edition

• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0691048789
• ISBN 13: 9780691048789
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 514
• Illustrator: Harris Alan, Davis John