Everything you ever wanted to know about the world's herons. This book on herons and bitterns is an authoritative summary of what is currently known about this diverse and fascinating worldwide family of wading birds. It is the result of extensive studies carried out over many years by its distinguished authors on both sides of the Atlantic. The plumages, feeding and breeding behaviour, and ecology of each of the recognised species is illustrated in full-colour with paintings meticulously researched by Robert Gilman and Peter Hayman. A distribution map, based on the latest available information, also shows the range of each species. Because of the widening interest in wading birds, considerable attention is paid to identification in the field. Four identification plates, especially prepared by Robert Gillmor, show all the plumages in each stage of every species and race, of white herons and egrets. This information - invaluable for ornithologists and birdwatchers - has never before been brought together in one volume. References to all the relevant literature on herons and bitterns is included for those who want to make a deeper study of these birds, and the authors have contributed their own considerable experiences gained in the field. The definitive handbook on herons, this book will not only provide the basis for future research and conservation but will also be a source of interest and enjoyment for both birdwatchers and ornithologists.

A beautifully illustrated kid's guide to birds and their habitats, perfect for budding birders whether you live in a city, suburb, or rural area. In the woods, in cities, in your backyard—birds are everywhere. But do you know the difference between a robin and a wren? A raven and a crow? In this fully illustrated book, you will learn how to identify birds in an array of habitats and seasons (thanks to migration, there are always new birds to find). You'll also learn the different behaviors/habits of birds—from why blue jays divebomb other birds’ nests to what attracts hummingbirds to certain flowers. As the popularity of birding and birdwatching reach new heights, more and more children have the opportunity to connect with nature, whether indoors or outside and with no equipment other than one’s eyes (and this handbook, of course). What’s not to love? Featuring Michelle Carlos's vibrant illustrations, this gorgeous (and gifty) book includes interactive elements like quizzes and crafts, as well as accessible charts/guides that will lead to endless fun!

This is the first field guide to the identification of the birds of the islands of the tropical Pacific, including the Hawaiian Islands, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, southeastern Polynesia, and Micronesia. It is intended both as a reference for the expert and as an introduction to birding in the region for the novice. Small enough to be carried afield, it contains much previously unpublished information about behavior, vocalizations, ecology, and distribution. The forty-five color plates depict all plumages of all bird species that breed in the islands, as well as of those that regularly visit them and the surrounding oceans, and of most species believed to be extinct on the islands. Black-and-white figures show many of the rarer visitors. Introductory sections discuss the tropical Pacific as an environment for birds, problems of birding on islands, and bird conservation. Appendixes include maps of the island groups and a thorough bibliography.

On t.p.: A field guide to the natural history of North American birds : including all species that regularly breed north of Mexico.

This is the first book to deal exclusively with the Australian members of the Family Ardeidae (herons, egrets and bitterns). It gives a comprehensive, easy-to-read account of their origins, classification and biology, and explains the features that distinguish them from other birds. The book devotes a major chapter to the 14 Australian species, covering their distribution and movements, feeding, breeding, population dynamics and conservation. Some of Australia’s herons have become very scarce in the southern half of the continent and are at risk of national or local extinction. In northern Australia heron habitats and resources are largely pristine and consequently this region accommodates large numbers of certain species. A final chapter on population and conservation provides a useful summary of the present status of the Australian herons, some of whom are thriving and others who are in a very precarious position.