The World's Rarest Birds (WILDGuides, 55) - Hardcover

Hirschfeld, Erik; Swash, Andy; Still, Robert

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0691155968 ISBN 13: 9780691155968

Publisher: Princeton University Press, 2013

Synopsis

This illustrated book vividly depicts the most endangered birds in the world and provides the latest information on the threats each species faces and the measures being taken to save them. Today, 571 bird species are classified as critically endangered or endangered, and a further four now exist only in captivity. This landmark book features stunning photographs of 500 of these species--the results of a prestigious international photographic competition organized specifically for this book. It also showcases paintings by acclaimed wildlife artist Tomasz Cofta of the 75 species for which no photos are known to exist.

The World's Rarest Birds has introductory chapters that explain the threats to birds, the ways threat categories are applied, and the distinction between threat and rarity. The book is divided into seven regional sections--Europe and the Middle East; Africa and Madagascar; Asia; Australasia; Oceanic Islands; North America, Central America, and the Caribbean; and South America. Each section includes an illustrated directory to the bird species under threat there, and gives a concise description of distribution, status, population, key threats, and conservation needs. This one-of-a-kind book also provides coverage of 62 data-deficient species.

About this title

About the Author:

Erik Hirschfeld works in air traffic control management and is a freelance writer, guide, and consultant in ornithology. Andy Swash is managing director of WILDGuides and a professional wildlife photographer, naturalist, author, and guide. Robert Still is an ecologist, widely traveled naturalist, and graphic artist who designs books that encourage people to take a greater interest in the natural world.

Review:

"The book is educational, promotes conservation, looks nice, but at the same time is a reference source for those rare birds. . . . The World's Rarest Birds is like that stuff you put in your gas tank to add oomph to your engine, but with birdbooks. A regional library of references will suddenly have high octane information on some of the least known species."---Greg Laden, Science Blogs

"If you're a world birder or an armchair birder this is a fascinating if sobering book."---Harry Fuller, Towhee Blog

"The World's Rarest Birds, though hefty, is so valuable: It offers short informative profiles of 591 of the most at-risk species, the birds classified as Endangered, Critically Endangered, or Extinct in the Wild. Instead of numbers on a chart, it allows us to see Cuba's Zapata Wren, Kenya's Taita Thrush, South America's Yellow Cardinal, and other species as birds worth caring about. A photo or a painting depicts each one--an astonishing accomplishment."---Joel Greenberg, Bird Watching

"[A] remarkable book. . . . The 'coffee table' format belies the extraordinary amount of research and the sheer volume of information presented. The authors have produced a reference book of outstanding quality. But this is no ordinary reference book to be occasionally picked off the shelf, dusted down and browsed rather it is a treasure chest of stories of discovery, loss and re-discovery. I found each visit to these beautifully presented pages unearthed more gems and yet more extraordinary insights into our most threatened birdlife."---Keith Clarkson, Birding Frontiers

"This substantial volume, with the motto 'Let the birds speak for themselves', gives visual and textual confirmation to the threats faced by a substantial fraction of the birds of the world. Hirschfeld, Swash, and Still provide images and conservation information for 650 avian species worldwide, focusing the reader's attention on the varieties of problems avifauna face. . . . This valuable work deserves a place in every library ornithology collection." (Choice)

"Everyone who has an interest in our wonderful amazing weird and surprising birds should have a copy of The World's Rarest Birds. Its 350 pages are packed with stunning images and loaded with facts to inspire us all to do more to protect our wild birds and the wild places they live. . . . We highly recommend this book to all." (Biggest Twitch)

"Outstanding. . . . A great read and a[n] exceptional contribution to the global Ornithological community."---Dan Murray, Birding New Jersey

"This has clearly been a labor of love for the team who produced the book. The result is a testament to the efforts and design skills of the authors, the generosity of the photographers who donated their images, and the expertise of the many other contributors. Stunning images emphasize the beauty and irreplaceability of these species, while the range maps--many merely a small dot on a regional map--are a stark reminder of how close we are to losing so much. The book is very modestly priced and is likely to become a convenient and standard source of information for birders, students, conservationists and professional ornithologists."---Paul Dolman, Ibis

"This book is one of the most important bird publications ever."---Bill Harvey, BirdingASIA

"This fine book is simultaneously fascinating and saddening."---Herb Wilson, Portland Press Herald

About this edition

• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 0691155968
• ISBN 13: 9780691155968
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 360