Firefly Encyclopedia of Birds

"Truly authoritative, but very readable, review of the more than 9,800 bird species on our planet...This well-done reference should be useful for the academic library but also for general public with its easy-to-read text.Indeed, many serious birders may well want to have this hefty volume on their home shelves."--American Reference Books AnnualThe ultimate reference to the vast world of birds. Like no other group in the animal kingdom, birds capture our imagination.Comprehensive and up-to-date, the Firefly Encyclopedia of Birds is the definitive single-volume guide to these infinitely fascinating creatures. Entries written by a team of renowned biologists and conservationists give a systematic account of every bird family, covering form and function, distribution, diet, social behavior 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 core articles are complemented by specia