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Pica Press have published bird related books since the mid-1990's. Many of these works have been simultaneously published by Yale University Press in the USA. From 2000 Pica books were published under the Christopher Helm imprint. Helm and Pica are currently part of A & C Black.

The books are listed by publication date by date of publication with the most recent publications at the top of the page.

Sunbirds: A Guide to the Sunbirds, Flowerpeckers, Spiderhunters and Sugarbirds of the World

Robert A. Cheke and Clive F. Mann

Pica Press

2001

This guide provides a comprehensive resource on the sunbirds and their allies, with 48 colour plates portraying all major plumage variations and many species depicted on typical food plants.

Pigeons and Doves: A Guide to the Pigeons and Doves of the World

David Gibbs, Eustace Barnes and John Cox

2000

"Pigeons and doves are a large family of birds occurring throughout the world. This book - the first to be dedicated to the field identification of these birds and to be fully illustrated in color-incorporates much recent information about them. Many species of pigeons and doves are specialist frugivores, say the authors, while others feed on seeds. Most are arboreal, and the tropical species in particular are often brightly colored. The family includes gregarious migratory species as well as shy, ground-dwelling forms such as the exotic crowned pigeons of New Guinea. The comprehensive text is accompanied by 76 exquisite color plates that capture the essence of these varied birds and illustrate all species and subspecies." From inside flap of book.

Albatrosses

W.L.N. Tickell

2000

This is the first comparative account of the albatrosses based on a comprehensive review of their natural history, oceanography, island geography and recent scientific research. This book thoroughly explores all aspects of albatross biology, distribution and behaviour, as well as such topics as identification and taxonomy. Traditionally, the family has comprised 13 species in two genera, but more recently it has been proposed that 24 species in four genera should be recognised; most species inhabit the southern oceans. The author looks at each taxon, arranging them in various groups for convenience. The authoritative text is accompanied by numerous photographs, diagrams and maps.

Pittas, Broadbills and Asities

Frank Lambert and Martin Woodcock

2000

This study covers two widely-known groups of Old-World tropical birds. Pittas are a gound-dwelling insectivorous species. Broadbills form a more diverse group - some being highly specialized insectivores, others being fructivores. The Asities of Madagascar are also included. In total the guide includes 51 species. There are introductory chapters giving general information about the families. The species accounts include information on identification, habits, breeding, habitats, distribution and status. Includes colour plates of all species and distribution maps.

Swifts: A Guide to the Swift and Treeswifts of the World

Phil Chantler

Pica

Second edition

2000

"This work collates late-1990s research findings from the field of ornithology to provide a thoroughly modern overview of swift identification and distribution. This edition has revised artwork and maps, and much new textual material."

The Birds of Norfolk

Moss Taylor, Michael Seago, Peter Allard and Don Dorling

2000

This book has been written by a team of almost 40 experts from within the country. Introductory chapters cover the history of ornithology in Norfolk and its birding personalities; conservation; ringing; migration; and geography. The bulk of the book comprises the systematic list which details the status and distribution of every species recorded in Norfolk.

The North American Bird Guide

David Sibley

2000

"A major field guide to the birds of North America. Fully describes 800 species showing between 6 and 8 paintings for each species depicting male, female and juvenile birds in flight and at rest. There is additional information about sub-species, variants and accidental. In total 1100 birds are covered by the guide. There is a distribution map for each species showing summer and winter ranges, breeding grounds, migration routes, and locations where migrants have been identified."

Field Guide to the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent

Krys Kazmierczak

Pica Press

2000

This compact, easy to use guide covers all 1300 species of birds found on the Indian subcontinent. It provides a companion for anyone travelling in Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and should also be useful in peripheral regions for which few guides exist.

Checklist of the Birds of Northern South America

Clemencia Rodner, Robin Restall and Miguel Lentino

2000

This checklist, which covers all the species of birds found in Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and Trinidad & Tobago, recognizes 2,236 species. For each species, it gives information on subspecies in the region, distribution, altitudinal range, taxonomic notes and references.

A Field Guide to the Birds of the Gambia and Senegal

Clive Barlow, Tim Wacher and Tony Disley

2000

This field guide covers the area of the Gambia, a country which is very popular with a large number of birders. The Gambia shelters many migrants from the Western Palearctic, from September to April, as well as having a significant list of resident West African birds. The guide also covers Senegal, which almost entirely surrounds The Gambia. The colour plates depict 570 species - virtually every species recorded in The Gambia - and the text covers every species on the Senegambian list, as well as a few which are likely to turn up in the future. In total, over 660 species are described in the book.

Birds, Mammals and Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands

Andy Swash and Robert Still

2000

"The first comprehensive photographic guide to all the birds, mammals and reptiles of the islands. Innovative, simple-to-use format for beginners or experts. Utilising latest digital photographic techniques, some of species never previously published. ID features, seasonal differences, status & habitat preferences. Colour distribution maps."

Owls: a Guide to the Owls of the World

Claus Konig, Jan-Hendrik Becking, and Friedhelm Weick

1999

This guide describes 212 species of owls. General chapters cove owl taxonomy, ecology, biology, vocalisation and conservation. The individual species accounts provide identification information and detail of vocalisations, distribution, movements, habitat, measurements and height, geographical variation, habits, food, breeding, status and conservation. There are 64 colour plates showing every species and distinct sub-species, as well as different colour morphs and juvenile plumages. There are distribution maps for each species.

Rare Birds of the Netherlands

Arnoud B. van den Berg & Cecilia A.W. Bosman

Pica Press

1999

Provides a comprehensive resource on the birds of the Netherlands, including almost 800 diagrams and maps, and over 300 colour photographs. The text, which is bilingual in Dutch and English throughout, is a work of reference giving localities and relevant literature for each rare species.

Towards the Sea

Robert Greenhalf

1999

This text is a record of the author's encounters with wildlife throughout the year in his home area of Romney Marsh in South East England, and on visits to the North Norfolk coast and Bardsey Island in North Wales. It contains a wealth of drawings, watercolour sketches and finished paintings, interspersed with diary extracts and short essays describing the pleasures and problems of working in the field. Each page is a record of a day, or even just an hour or two, spent observing, drawing and painting directly from life.

Rails: A Guide to the Rails, Crakes, Gallinules and Coots of the World

Barry Taylor and Ber van Perlo

1998

Complete guide to the 145 species of rail found throughout the world, including the Moorhen, Coot, Water Rail and Crakes of the UK. This book is the first to give comprehensive information on field identification covering all species and races including immature and juvenile plumages of many species. It also provides a detailed summary of our current knowledge of all aspects of rail biology and behaviour. There is also discussion of distribution, status, habitat requirements, and current threats, and conservation priorities. Includes 43 colour plates and distribution maps.

Nightjars: A Guide to Nightjars and Related Night Birds

Nigel Cleere and Dave Nurney

1998 / 2000

This book fully covers this popular group of birds. The text has been thoroughly researched, both in the museum and in the field, and the plates depict feather-by-feather detail, allowing identification of all species, providing adequate views are obtained. As voice is so important in nightjar identification, an accompanying CD with the voices of many species was also produced to be sold with the book.

Parrots: A Guide to Parrots of the World

Tony Juniper & Michael Parr

Pica Press

1998 (revised 2003)

A guide to the field identification of parrots, with illustrations of every species and the most identifiable subspecies. Parrots, with some 350 species, are one of the largest bird families. From the mighty macaws to the diminutive pygmy parrots, they include such familiar species as cockatoos, parakeets, lovebirds and even the budgerigar. One-fifth of the world's parrots are threatened, and the book includes up-to-date information on their conservation status.

Contents: Origins and Evolutionary Relationships; Classification of the Parrots; Natural History of the Parrots; General Behaviour; Distribution; Habitat; Movements; Social Behaviour; Diet; Breeding; Nocturnal Species; Conservation Status; Extinct Species; Threatened Species; Threats; Habitat Loss; Live Bird Trade; Introduced Species; Persecution and Hunting; Storms and Climate Change; Captive Breeding; Colour Plates; Systematic Section; Bibliography; Index of Scientific and English Names.

Birds of Liberia

Wulf Gatter

Pica Press

1998

A guide to the birds of Liberia. The book comprises a systematic list of resident and migratory species, extensive introductory chapters, colour plates and distribution maps.

Contents: Introduction; Geology and Topography; Climate; The Vegetation Zones; Liberian Habitats of Importance to Birds; Biological Seasons in Forest and Savanna; Moult; Migration; Ecology of Forest Birds; Aspects of Biogeography; Conservation in Liberia; Distribution Maps; Colour Plates; Systematic List; Photographic Section; App. 1. Species which have not yet occurred in Liberia; App. 2. Mixed-species bird parties in Liberian lowland forests; App. 3. Estimates of population sizes; App. 4. Birds ringed elsewhere and recovered in Liberia; App. 5. Recoveries of birds ringed in Liberia; App. 6. Graphs of vertical strata and diameter of foraging substrates; Gazetteer; Bibliography; Index of Scientific and English Bird Names.

Birds of Somalia

John Ash and John Miskell

Pica Press

1998

"Somalia, with seven endemic species, is one of the most important bird areas in Africa; it is also one of the least well-known. Birds of Somalia is a model of its kind and will inspire many other similar volumes. Its essence is to provide an atlas of 654 maps showing the distribution of all the species known from the country; each species account gives where relevant a bird's preferred habitat, its relative abundance, and details of migration, breeding season and clutch size. Much of the ornithological content of the book is based on personal experience. About 70% of the observations on the maps were provided by the authors and they claim to have seen all but one of the 654 birds on the Somali list. Besides adding over 50 first time records to it, they were also responsible for finding and adding to science one new species and four new subspecies of birds in Somalia. Chapters summarise the available knowledge on bird migration and breeding seasons within Somalia. The records are astonishing when it is considered that they come from such a little-known country. The results of the rather limited amount of ringing carried out in the country are also summarised, and the recoveries of ringed birds are of extreme interest. Christopher Hemming contributes what amounts to a major treatise on the soils and vegetation of Somalia, Carlo Violani and Fausto Barbagli provide a historical review of ornithology and ornithologists, Professor Celia Nyamweru describes the geology, and Peter Robertson gives an up-to-date perspective on the state of bird and habitat conservation and the issues involved. A magnificent series of coloured plates by Martin Woodcock is included which depict 25 little-known birds special to the region, including the new species and races. There is also a selection of habitat photographs and excellent maps showing the topography, geology and vegetation of the country."

Birds of Madagascar: A Photographic Guide

Peter Morris & Mark Andrews

1998

This is a comprehensive photographic guide to 260 species of Madagascan avifauna. A few species for which no photographs are available are depicted in colour paintings by Mark Andrews.

Modern Wildlife Painting

Nicholas Hammond

1998

This volume, in 12 chapters, examines the various forms that wildlife art takes. Each chapter is illustrated by paintings or prints that, in the author's view, best represent the genre. The work of 90 artists is shown.

Shrikes: A Guide to the Shrikes of the World

Norbert Lefranc and Tim Worfolk

1997

"A comprehensive guide to 31 species of "true" shrike from all over the world. Includes information on distribution, general behaviour, ecology and conservation, as well as identification features."

Skuas and Jaegers: A Guide to the Skuas and Jaegers of the World

Klaus Malling Olsen & Hans Larsson

1997

"This title examines in detail all the identification problems associated with this difficult group. The taxonomy of the world's seven species of skuas has long been a subject of debate, compounded by the difficulty of distinguishing between the four catharacta species in the field."

Birds for All Seasons: Chronicles from the Thames Valley

James Monk

Pica Press

1997

"These chronicles owe their origins to a series of articles written for local readership in two pretty villages situated in a strategy of the Thames Valley. They bring together simple and well-known facts about birds, linking them at times to their place in mythology and folklore, and to conservation and habitats. The author offers personal recollections of and affection for the birds he describes."

Munias and Mannikins

Robin Restall

Pica Press

1996

Munias are widespread throughout the Old World's tropical regions. In their natural habitat, they are birds of the savanna, but they have adapted to a number of different habitats, including areas inhabited by humans. They range in size from the Java sparrow (which is about the size of a common starling) to the diminutive Madagascar mannikin. Their striking plumage makes them popular as cagebirds and they breed readily in captivity. This book covers 43 species of munias and mannikins. The author has recently described one new species and ten new subspecies to science.

Contents: Introduction; Acknowledgements; Taxonomy And Relationships; Natural History Of Munias And Mannikins; Colour Plates; Systematic Section; Measured Drawings; Bibliography; Index Of Scientific And English Names.

Birding in Kent

Don Taylor

Pica Press

1996

Written by the author of Birdwatching in Kent (1985), this book brings the story up to date. Kent is one of the best counties in England for birdwatching, and this book is aimed at anyone visiting the area, as well as those who live there.

Buntings and Sparrows: A Guide to the Buntings and North American Sparrows

Urban Olsson and Jon Curson

Pica Press

1995

This guide covers all the buntings (Palearctic) and sparrows (Nearctic) of the Holarctic region. The 118 species are members of the sub-family emberizinae, and are represented in nearly every habitat in the region. They also present considerable identification problems.

Woodpeckers: A Guide to the Woodpeckers, Piculets and Wrynecks of the World

Hans Winkler

Translation: David Christie

Pica

1995

"This guide cover 198 species of woodpeckers, piculets and wrynecks. Includes 64 colour plates and distribution maps. The text provides information on identifying characteristics, distribution, migration, habitat, geographical variations, voice, habits, food, and breeding behaviour."

Swifts: A Guide to the Swift and Treeswifts of the World

Phil Chantler

Pica

1995

"As well as presenting the author's original research, this book also brings together a review of all current research into the identification and distribution of 96 species of swift worldwide."

Songbirds of Turkey: Atlas of Biodiversity of Turkish Passerine Birds

Cees S. Roselaar

1995

This work aims to present all the information available on taxonomy, morphology and distribution of Turkish songbirds, and compares it with similar data from other countries in the Middle East and Southeast Europe. Characteristics and measurements of all the subspecies of passerine birds of the region are given. Much of the data presented here was collected in the course of the 20-years' research programme for Birds of the Western Palearctic.