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Books about birds of the world

This page lists handbooks, guides, encyclopedias and similar works that cover birds of the world. The books are arranged by publication date with the most recent at the top.


Related pages

There are a number of pages about birds of the world on this site:

Handbooks, guides, encyclopedias

World checklists

Bird Families Of The World

The Handbook of the Birds of the World

Catalogue Of The Birds In The British Museum

 

Bird Families of the World: An Invitation to the Spectacular Diversity of Birds

David W. Winkler, Shawn M. Billerman, Irby J. Lovette

Lynx Edicions

2015

"Here in one volume is a synopsis of the diversity of all birds. This volume distills the voluminous detail of the 17-volume Handbook of Birds of the World into a single book. Based on the latest systematic research and summarizing what is known about the life history and biology of each group, this volume will be the best single-volume entry to avian diversity available. Whether you are a birder with an interest in global bird diversity, or a professional ornithologist wishing to update and fill-in your comprehensive knowledge of avian diversity, this volume will be a valuable addition to your library."

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The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Birds of the World

David Alderton

Lorenz Books

2012

" This is a comprehensive visual encyclopedia of the birds of America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and the Polar regions, with expert analysis of size, shape, plumage, habitat, breeding, nests, eggs and food. The extensive illustrated directory includes puffins, terns, egrets, sunbirds, touracos, buzzards, blackbirds, waxbills, lovebirds, hawk-headed parrots, Eurasian spoonbills, double-wattled cassowaries and many more. It is fully illustrated throughout with over 1800 detailed artworks and photographs, including distribution maps. A natural history section describes the different habitats, the evolution of birds, and how they use flight, habitat, predatory instincts and migration to survive in their environment, as well as offering tips on birdwatching. This comprehensive illustrated encyclopedia of birds of the world presents a fantastic visual guide to many of the major avian species and families, from America's tiniest insect-catchers to the giant, flightless species still living on the African plains. A 420-page directory covering America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and the Polar continents features full illustrated entries for hundreds of birds, as well as detailing many other related species."

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Birds of the World

David Burnie

Dorling Kindersley

2012

"From the black swan to the ruby-throated hummingbird, leaf through Nature Guide Birds of the World, a beautiful guide profiling the world's most amazing bird species. Part of a new generation of compact natural history guides, Birds of the World is packed full of stunning images that reveal intricate details and unique characteristics of the species featured. Expertly written and including examples from across the globe, these guides will give you knowledge of the natural world at your fingertips. With a detailed introduction all about bird classification, anatomy, migration, habitats and flight, Nature Guide Birds of the World is the ideal bird identification guide."

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Birds of the World: 365 Days

Philippe J Dubois

Harry N Abrams

2011

"Birds 365 gives this perennially popular subject the 365 treatment: ornithologist and conservationist Philippe J. Dubois presents a day in the life of a different species of bird in each entry, describing the behavior, habitat and migration of each one. The stunning images of birds in action, taken by some of the best avian photographers in the world, illustrate the text beautifully. The birds represented here are a truly global group, ranging across Europe, Asia, Africa and North and South America. Included in the book are passerines, waterfowl, raptors and everything in between. In addition to scientific information about each species that helps the reader identify its distinctive characteristics, Dubois gives insight into the bird's relationship with its human neighbours."

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National Geographic Complete Birds of the World

Editors: Tim Harris

National Geographic Society

2009

"Authoritative and concise, with carefully selected, fully up-to-date information, this hardworking and exquisite reference covers every bird family worldwide, with detailed profiles of 500 carefully chosen representative species, both exotic and common. Features include clear, accessible text; systematic presentation of information based on the latest official checklists; detailed and accurate descriptions of every bird family with carefully selected accounts of representative species; worldwide distribution maps for every family; spectacular and informative colour photography by the world's leading wildlife photographers; state-of-the-art bird artwork; and, glossary, detailed index, and lavish production values. This title features a foreword by Jonathan Alderfer, field ornithologist, artist, author, and editor. It offers more than 900 illustrations, including NGS-quality photography by leading bird photographers, wildlife artists, and cartographers. Each family account includes information broken down by the following headings: Structure, Plumage, Behaviour, Voice, Habitat, Migration, Diet, Breeding, and Taxonomy. Each family account incorporates a fact panel that speaks to worldwide distribution and conservation. This title includes illustrated sidebars complement the family accounts, giving readers insights into bird behaviour, such as the courtship dance of the Birds of Paradise and the predatory tactics of the Harpy Eagle."

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Collins Birds of the World: Every Bird Family Illustrated And Explained

Les Beletsky

Collins / Johns Hopkins University Press

2006/7

" This stunning book captures the grace and beauty of the world's birds. In more than 500 pages, ornithologist Les Beletsky has gathered over 1,600 original paintings that reveal the form, posture, and plumage of every single bird family found in the world, featuring illustrations of more than 1,300 avian species that are characteristic of the families. Detailed paintings are by eleven of the world's leading bird artists, with many being published here for the first time. Beletsky's detailed, readable, descriptions are paired with these vivid images to show the diversity of the world's approximately 200 bird families. Garden bird-watchers, avid twitchers, and professional ornithologists alike will find in these pages everything from the everyday to the exotic, from diminutive hummingbirds to massive ostriches, from Antarctic penguins to tropical parrots. Comprehensive, authoritative, and beautifully illustrated, 'Birds of the World' will amaze and inspire everyone with an interest in this remarkable part of the world's fauna."

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Birds of the World: Recommended English Names

Editors: Frank B. Gill and Minturn T. Wright III

Christopher Helm

2006

"The product of more than 15 years of discussion, debate and review by a team of international experts sanctioned by the International Ornithological Congress, "Birds of the World" unifies and standardises the avian nomenclature of the English-speaking regions of the world. It provides recommendations for the English name of every species of bird, and comes complete with a CD-ROM containing searchable and sortable Excel files of all the material in the book. Accommodating the very latest taxonomic revisions, this landmark volume will become an invaluable reference on the subject for scholars and ornithologists around the world."

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Philip's Photographic Guide to Birds of the World

Editor: Andrew Gosler

Philip's

2006

"Features 1,300 individual bird species, making it the most comprehensive single-volume photographic collection of birds ever produced. As well as illustrating in full colour one seventh of all known bird species, the book also features the most up-to-date listing of all known species, with information on range and status. The text is written by an international panel of experts. The book begins by tracing the evolution of birds and takes an in-depth look at their incredibly varied adaptations. After explaining the principles of bird classification and identification, and how the latest DNA findings have helped us to re-evaluate bird relationships, the major families of birds are described, including main characteristics, principal species, total number of species, any noteworthy features, and conservation status; in addition each family is illustrated by a representative species. In the main part of the book, the species photographs and descriptive entries are arranged systematically by zoogeographical region Nearctic, Neotropical, Palaearctic, Afrotropical, Oriental and Australasian. (Broadly speaking this translates as North America, Central and South America, Europe and Mediterranean, Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Australiasia). Each region is introduced with a concise account of the birds of the region and maps identifying significant bird-watching locations. Then each species entry covers the key elements of description, behaviour, habitat, distribution and notes any key conservation concerns."

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The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Birds of the World

David Alderton

Southwater

2006

"This book is a comprehensive visual guide and reference source for over 1250 birds of America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and the Polar regions, with expert analysis of size, shape, plumage, habitat, breeding, nests, eggs and food. It is illustrated throughout with over 1800 colour artworks, maps and photographs. A natural history section, featuring habitat artworks and tips on birdwatching, examines the evolution of birds and how they use flight, habitat, predatory instincts and migration to survive in their environment. This illustrated encyclopedia of birds of the world presents 1250 of the major avian species and families in existence. All birds are grouped by habitat and type - including oceanic, estuarine, freshwater, woodland, open country and urban species - with facts about plumage, bill shapes, distribution, size, food, eggs and nests. The life cycle and behaviour of birds is unravelled in a full-colour photographic natural history section, detailing anatomy, flight, feeding, pairing and nesting, plus the key types of avian habitats and the birds you are likely to encounter in them. There are also tips on birdwatching and fieldcraft, for those who want to get a closer look at these fascinating creatures."

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Birds of The World

Gilles Martin and Myriam Baran-Marescot

Harry N. Abrams

2005

"Birds of the World is structured around twelve major themes that enable readers to observe birds' evolution, migration, survival, and perception of the world. Myriam Baran-Marescot's text provides all the information and advice required for observing, identifying, and protecting birds. The result is a thrilling and informative journey into the vast avian world."

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The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Birds of the World

David Alderton

Southwater

2004

"A beautifully illustrated guide to over 1000 birds from around the world, detailing distribution, habitat, size, feeding and nesting behaviour. An introduction covers the evolution of birds, their anatomy, common features, behaviour and geographical distribution. Practical tips on fieldcraft and birdwatching to help with observation and identification is also included."

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The Bird Almanac: A Guide to Essential Facts and Figures of the World's Birds

David M. Bird

Firefly Books

2004 (2nd ed)

"This second edition has been reformatted for easier use and now features quick-find tabs and an index. The first section of the book comprehensively covers the history, biology and behaviour of birds. Bird physiology, biological systems and anatomy are explained in easy-to-understand terms and annotated illustrations. The second section consists of an authoritative world checklist of bird species. The birds are organized by taxonomic order and listed by common and Latin name."

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The New Encyclopedia of Birds

Editor: Christopher M. Perrins

Oxford University Press

2003

"The New Encyclopedia of Birds is the definitive single-volume guide to the birds of the world. Entries prepared by a team of renowned biologists and conservationists give a systematic account of every family, covering their form and function, distribution, diet, social behaviour, and breeding biology. With one-eighth of all bird species now under threat, special attention is given to environmental and conservation issues. The Encyclopedia's clear, readable text is supplemented by a wealth of photographs showing the wide diversity of birds in their natural habitat. In addition, beautifully detailed colour and line artworks depict representative species in each family and highlight characteristic behaviours. 'Factfile' panels throughout the book, with distribution maps and scale drawings, put key data at the reader's fingertips. A fully revised and updated successor to the same editor's acclaimed Encyclopedia of Birds (1990), this comprehensive reference work will appeal both to the amateur birdwatcher and to the student of ornithology."

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Birds of the World

Colin Harrison and Alan Greensmith

Smithsonian Handbook

DK Publishing

2002

"Featuring over 800 bird species, this volume is designed to simplify the sometimes complex identification process. Whether in your neighborhood or in the wild, the Smithsonian Handbook of Birds of the World enables you to spot and recognize birds easily. Photo - Encyclopedic Approach: Each entry combines a precise description with an annotated photograph to highlight the bird's chief characteristics and distinguishing features. There are useful maps showing worldwide distribution, pictures of alternative plumage, and scale drawings of each bird. Color - coded, quick - reference bands giving at - a - glance facts complete every entry. Identification Made easy: For beginners and established enthusiasts alike, the Smithsonian Handbook of Birds of the World begins by describing anatomy and behavior to help identify different types of bird. A visual identification key then shows the major bird groups and guides you to the correct entries. Finally, a concise glossary provides a useful guide to the scientific and technical terms used in the book."

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DK Handbook: Birds of the World

Colin Harrison and Alan Greensmith

Dorling Kindersley

2000

"This title offers a clear identification guide to birds around the world. It is designed to be as simple and accurate as possible, reflecting the updated classifications of species."

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The Hamlyn Photographic Guide to Birds of the World

Editors: Andrew Gosler

Hamlyn

1991

"A companion guide to the Photographic Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe, this book introduces the reader to general bird classification, evolution, behaviour, ecology and identification. It then describes each bird family, its main characteristics and principal species." Includes over 1300 photographs.

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Bird Families Of The World

Editor: Dr C.J.O. Harrison

Illustrations: A.D. Cameron

Peerage Books / Harry Abrams

1978

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Birds: An Illustrated Survey Of The Bird Families Of The World

John Gooders

Hamlyn

1975

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Living Birds Of The World

E. Thomas Gilliard

Doubleday

1958

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First edition

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Later edition

Birds Of The World: A Popular Account

Frank H. Knowlton

With A Chapter On The Anatomy Of Birds By Frederic A. Lucas

The Whole Edited By Robert Ridgway

Henry Holt & Company

1909

From the preface:

"IT is perhaps hardly necessary to call attention to the great awakening of popular interest that has come about in recent years in relation to our birds, an interest that has been fostered not only by the admirable work of the Audubon Societies and the widespread nature teaching in the schools, but by the deeper, broader sentiment which is leading back to, and nearer to, Nature. The increasing number of people yearly turning back to the country, either for recreation or permanent residence, has naturally stimulated a desire to know more intimately their surroundings, the trees, the flowers, and the birds. Few of these people have either the inclination or the desire to become professional ornithologists, but they have wished to know at least the names and more interesting facts in the life histories of the birds they see constantly about them. To supply this demand for popular information, a large number of works have been written, and their extensive circulation proves that they have filled a real want. But most of these are more or less local in their scope, only a very few, for instance, treating of the birds of a whole country, and the time seems ripe for a work of moderate size, and in a single volume, that shall set forth in non-technical language the salient facts regarding the birds of the world. Such a work I have attempted to prepare ."
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Last updated October 2006