From Library Journal
Intended to complement any good European field guide, this is an introduction to bird biology and natural history for nonspecialists. It is really two books in one: the right-hand pages present 171 brief, well-written, and clear essays on a wide range of ornithological topics; the left-hand pages give individual accounts of the life histories of "516 species that regularly breed in Europe and adjacent parts of the Middle East and North Africa." The essays are not intended to be read in sequence as a monograph but rather to answer questions raised by field observations; they are not limited to Europe but will also be useful in North America. A good addition to most birding collections, especially where there is interest in European birds.
Paul B. Cors, Univ. of Wyoming Lib., Laramie
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Paul B. Cors, Univ. of Wyoming Lib., Laramie
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Booklist
This extensive guide to bird-watching lists 516 species in Britain, Europe, and adjacent parts of the Middle East and North Africa. Each of the 516 entries is divided into three parts: heading, summary line, and text. The heading consists of the species' common name, scientific name, and a reference to recent editions of standard field identification guides, directing the bird-watcher to a guide containing color drawings or photographs. (This handbook has no color plates of birds.) The pictorial summary line--using symbols, words, abbreviations, and numbers--gives information on the bird's nest location and type of nest, a description of the eggs, the number of eggs and the number of broods each year, and data on hatching and caring for the young, diet, and foraging techniques. (To get an idea of how comprehensive this book is, there are 18 entries under foraging techniques.) The text gives more details on the species' breeding habitat, displays, nesting, diet, and wintering and conservation habits. In addition, there are 82 essays--everything from classifying birds to copulation to breeding-site tenacity. Some of the essays are illustrated with line drawings. This is a remarkable work, but most bird-watchers may need their Peterson guides with their drawings in color. George Cohen
