Woodpeckers of the World
The Complete Guide
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- $52.99
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- $52.99
Publisher Description
The first definitive photographic guide to woodpeckers, covering all 239 species.
Woodpeckers remain one of the most popular families of birds, and they are certainly one of the more unusual. Their legendary ability to excavate holes in wood is well known, and they are uniquely adapted for living in trees - though a few species have become more adapted to ground-dwelling.
The family ranges from the tiny piculets of tropical forests to the mighty Imperial Woodpecker of Mexico, sadly now extinct. In between there is a considerable variety of species, all of a roughly similar shape and design, inhabiting forests and woodlands through the world except Australasia and Antarctica.
Detailed text looks in detail at the biology of the birds, with particular emphasis on field identification, along with voice, habitat, status, racial variation and distribution. The text is accompanied by a series of high-quality photographs – more than 750 images, carefully selected to highlight identification criteria. Each species entry is completed by an accurate colour range map.
A sister to Owls of the World in the Helm Photographic Guides series, Woodpeckers of the World is an informative, fact-filled and beautifully illustrated guide to a group beloved by all birders.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Naturalist and woodpecker expert Gorman (The Woodpeckers of Europe) examines 239 species in this splendid survey. The striking appearance and odd behavior of woodpeckers have endeared them to people around the world, and they hold rich mythic significance for many indigenous peoples. Woodpeckers appear on all continents except Antarctica and Australia, ranging from wren-size piculets to the huge Great Slaty Woodpecker; some, such as flickers, are familiar, while others, such as the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker, may never be seen again. The guide begins with a brief introduction to all things "woodpecker," including taxonomy, distribution, anatomy, flight, food and foraging. More detailed species accounts follow. The book's design and organization are superb; it's profusely illustrated but not cluttered. Smaller plates depict male and female color morphs, as well as adult and juvenile plumage. Wonderfully sharp images of nestlings in tree cavities and birds with insect prey are noteworthy. (Unfortunately the trees shown in the background are not identified.) The fine photographic array of what are surely some of the planet's most exquisite creatures will engage both advanced and casual birders. Color photos and maps.
