Extinct Birds

Shows and describes what is known about extinct species of waterfowl, rails, gulls, pigeons, parrots, cuckoos, owls, and perching birds

In this well-researched study, artist Fuller gathers information about the 75 species of birds that have vanished since 1600. Organized by families, the book describes each species, its habitat and distribution; there are firsthand accounts of sightings by early travelers, a record of the last sighting and probable cause of extinction. Some of the birds are familiarthe heath hen, passenger pigeon, dodo and great auk; mosquitoes and rats from ships brought destruction to certain island birds, and starving Japanese soldiers ate the last Wake Island rail during World War II. Although similiar material on extinct birds appeared in David Day's The Doomsday Book of Animals, the difference here is the magnificent illustrations. Fuller presents paintings and sketches that include 300 years of dodo illustrations, for example. This is a book that will interest professional and amateur birders alike.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The first book devoted solely to extinct birds since Walter Rothschild's classic Extinct Birds (1907), this new and attractive work has an enthusiastic preface by Rothschild's niece, Miriam, a famous naturalist in her own right. Its scope is wisely limited to the 75 birds known to have become extinct since 1600. Highly illustrated, with 59 color and 81 black-and-white illustrations, it boasts a detailed but interesting and well-written text, plus good referencing. Endangered species are included. With many island birds now threatened, and the extinction rates of all life forms escalating out of control in tropical forests, artist-naturalist Fuller's fine book is most welcome and germane. Henry T. Armistead, Thomas Jefferson Univ. Lib., Philadelphia
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.