Birds of the World Book

Authoritative text, crystal-clear photography, and a systematic approach make this the most comprehensive pocket guide to birds of the world. Featuring over 800 bird species, this volume is designed to simplify the sometimes complex identification process. Whether in your neighborhood or in the wild, the Dorling Kindersley handbook of Birds of the World enables you to spot and recognize birds easily.

Photo-Encyclopedic Approach: Each entry combines a precise description with an annotated photograph to highlight the bird's chief characteristics and distinguishing features. There are useful maps showing worldwide distribution, pictures of alternative plumage, and scale drawings of each bird. Color-coded, quick-reference bands giving at-a-glance facts complete every entry.

Identification Made easy: For beginners and established enthusiasts alike, the Dorling Kindersley Handbook of Birds of the World begins by describing anatomy and behavior to help identify different types of bird. A visual identification key then shows the major bird groups and guides you to the correct entries. Finally, a concise glossary provides a useful guide to the scientific and technical terms used in the book.

Author Biography: Dr. Colin Harrison has spent over 45 years studying birds. In 1960 he joined the Natural History Museum in London, where he gained his doctorate while studying birds from around the world. The author of several books and over 250 scientific papers, he is an internationally acknowledged authority on the evolution and classification of birds.

Alan Greensmith is a birdwatcher and traveler who has personally seen over 7,000 species. In addition to writing about the birds of his home country, Surrey, England, he has also given lectures on birds and has led field trips to Madagascar, Ivory Coast, Guatemala, and Mexico.