This is a review of the whole family of waders.

Shorebirds are the most visible inhabitants of coastal wetlands worldwide. Many undertake spectacularly long flights between their wintering and breeding grounds, embodying the miracle of long-distance migration in a profound way. In this illustrated behavioural ecology the migration, feeding and breeding of these birds are explained in a comprehensive but simple and visually stunning form. The core of the book is based on studies of shorebirds and other waterbirds (such as ducks, geese and gulls) that migrate along the East Atlantic Flyway. The emphasis is on those using the Dutch, German and Danish Wadden Sea; examples from the rest of the world are also included. The authors are experts in the fields of bird migration, shorebird behaviour and intertidal ecology, and have contributed much to our current understanding of these subjects. The 300 magnificent portraits of waterbirds in action were taken by Jan van de Kam, one of The Netherlands' foremost wildlife photographers.

Shorebirds are model organisms for illustrating the principles of ecology and excellent subjects for research. Their mating systems are as diverse as any avian group, their migrations push the limits of endurance, and their foraging is easily studied in the open habitats of estuaries and freshwater wetlands. This comprehensive text explores the ecology, conservation, and management of these fascinating birds. Beginning chapters examine phylogenetic relationships between shorebirds and other birds, and cover shorebird morphology, anatomy, and physiology. A section on breeding biology looks in detail at their reproductive biology. Because shorebirds spend much of their time away from breeding areas, a substantial section on non-breeding biology covers migration, foraging ecology, and social behavior. The text also covers shorebird demography, population size, and management issues related to habitat, predators, and human disturbances. Throughout, it emphasizes applying scientific knowledge to the conservation of shorebird populations, many of which are unfortunately in decline.

Using insightful text and his premier collection of shorebird photographs, Arthur Morris has created a superior introduction to shorebirding. In these pages, he draws on nearly two decades of extensive field experience to detail a wide range of characteristic shorebird behavior, including feeding habits, migration, mating, nesting, and raising young. He also shares his field identification expertise by providing tips and advice on finding and identifying 50 species of North American shorebirds. Descriptions of breeding, juvenile, and nonbreeding plumages of each species -- complemented by stunning color photographs -- will prove invaluable for identifying and correctly ageing shorebirds in the field. Whether you're a novice shorebirder or an experienced enthusiast, you'll want to make a place in your backpack for this unique and useful book. Book jacket.

The authors have created a thorough study of shorebirds and the decoys used to hunt them. The life cycles of the frequently hunted birds are described; and matchless color illustrations by Robert Verity Clem depict each species in its usual habitat. The authors detail the rise and fall of shorebird hunting, the places the birds were hunted, and the kinds of decoys used. Because shorebird hunting ended in the early 1900s, many shorebird decoys are quite rare and collectible. Beautiful color photographs of more than two hundred decoys highlight this carefully documented book. Other facets of the topic covered here include factory-produced decoys, tips on collecting decoys and avoiding fakes, and the use of X-ray, xerography, and other scientific methods to authenticate decoys.

Presents a portrait of the Delaware Bay in the spring when a wide variety of animals, including minnows, mice, turtles, raccoons, and especially migrating shorebirds, come to feed on the billions of eggs laid by horseshoe crabs.

An illustrated guide to all 134 shorebird species found in the Northern Hemisphere includes key identification features, age and sex differences, variations in plumage, similar species, status, habitat, and distribution.