The book covers the identification, biology and relationships of all true shrikes, bush-shrikes, helmet-shrikes, the closely related shrike flycatchers, philentomas, batises and wattle-eyes. This book offers information on 114 species in 21 genera within the families Laniidae and Malaconotidae. For each genus, acoustic and visual signals are summarized and used to map similarities. The detailed species account for the bulk of the book, providing knowledge on field identification, plumage descriptions, geographical variation, moult, distribution, movements. general and foraging behaviour, food, sounds and breeding behaviour.

This book is devoted to the 162 species of thrush, one of the most widespread and well-known families of birds in the world. This is the first book for almost a century solely devoted to thrushes, one of the most widespread and well-known bird families. It is a comprehensive treatment of the world's 162 species of true thrush and includes many of the most familiar garden species, as well as some of the rarest, most elusive and least known of all birds. This family also includes, as may be expected, some of the bird world's most accomplished songsters. Thrushes contains detailed information on identification and distribution, with a full description of each species, including reference to all recognised races, with emphasis given to vocalisations, which are often of key importance in determining speciation. Other sections deal with habitat and range, movements (many species are long-distance migrants), and breeding behaviour. For the first time, all species in the family Turdidae are illustrated in full colour, with a series of supplementary line drawings depicting particular aspects of shape or plumage. The 60 colour plates comprise approximately 540 images, illustrating adults, immatures, and most of the distinctive races. The plates are accompanied by colour maps showing the breeding and wintering range for each species. Thrushes is a wonderful addition to the award-winning Helm Identification Guide series, and will surely become the standard reference work to these birds.

A land of incredible natural resources, the South American continent is rich in plant and animal species. Among birds alone, over 3,100 species are either resident or migrant. Birds are some of South America's treasures and also one of its most endangered resources. Hence the need for a descriptive record of South American birds that will serve both professional and amateur bird students and encourage conservation of these magnificent species. Although South American birds elicit much popular and scientific interest, they have never been completely or satisfactorily described and cataloged in a single, published source. The Birds of South America, projected to be a four-volume work, thus fills a critical void. Starting from a museum approach, the authors have examined specimens of each subspecies, comparing them visually and trying to discern the patterns in their plumage variation, both intra- and inter-specifically. They take a new look at bird systematics, reassessing relationships in light of new information. Perhaps most important, they combine this review and analysis with extensive field observations to give an accurate, incisive portrait of the birds in nature. At a time when rapid development is devastating millions of acres of tropical habitat in South America, this record of an endangered resource becomes crucial. If the birds and other plants and animals of South America are to be saved, they must first be known and appreciated. The Birds of South America is a major step in that direction. Volume II includes the Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers, Antbirds, Gnatcatchers, and Tapaculos; Tyrant Flycatchers; and Manakins and Cotingas. The remaining volumes of The Birds of South America will be: Volume III: The Nonpasserines (Landbirds) Volume IV: The Nonpasserines (Waterbirds) No release date has been set for the remaining volumes.

'This long-awaited update to the acclaimed first edition is the definitive guide to a complex and intriguing family. The species accounts and taxonomic treatments have been fully revised in line with recent studies, and the all-new plates and photos complete this remarkable work. Highly recommended.' – Dominic Mitchell Beautiful, colourful, often fearless hunters of large insects and small vertebrates, shrikes are among the most admired of all avian groups. The group is widespread (particularly in the Old World) with a large number of species, though many populations have plummeted in recent years, especially in Europe. This is a second edition of Norbert Lefranc's Shrikes, fully updated from its 1997 predecessor. The introductory texts have been significantly expanded and six new sections have been added in the species accounts: vagrancy, foraging behaviour, breeding success, population trends, conservation and taxonomic notes. Special attention has been given to the latest developments in shrike systematics, not forgotten by the DNA revolution. The species accounts give information about the past and current distribution, along with threats and conservation status. Detailed and fully revised maps accompany the authoritative text, along with hundreds of high-quality photos showcasing racial and ageing differences as well as interesting aspects of shrike behaviour. An exceptional new series of plates by Tim Worfolk have been created, with more individual plumages shown than in the previous edition. This beautiful book represents the definitive account of shrikes and their relationships, appearance, conservation and lifestyle; it will be treasured by birdwatchers and professional ornithologists alike.

"First published in 1997 by Pica Press."--t.p. verso.

All manner of information about birds is presented. Following each lengthy description are full-color plates of typical members of each species with range-pattern maps for each family's genus and species.