Zoology: birds (ornithology) Books

Book SynopsisTable of ContentsPart I. Undergirding themes 1. Importance of physiology of birds 2. Avian genomics 3. Transcriptomics of physiological systems 4. Avian Proteomics 5. Avian metabolomics 6. Mitochondrial physiology 7. Evolution of birds 8. Domestication of poultry Part II. Sensory biology and nervous system theme 9. The avian somatosensory system: a comparative view 10. Avian Vision 11. Avian Hearing 12. Avian olfaction and other chemical reception (excluding taste) 13. Avian taste reception 14. Avian nociception and pain 15. Magnetoreception and its use for long distance migration 16. Avian subpallium and autonomic nervous system Part III. Organ system theme 17. Blood 18. The cardiovascular system 19. Osmoregulatory systems of birds 20. Respiration 21. Gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology 21A. Intestinal villi and crypt organization and function 22. Bone 23. Skeletal muscle 24. The avian immune system Part IV. Metabolism theme 25. Carbohydrate metabolism 26. Adipose tissue and lipid metabolism 27. Protein metabolism 28. Food intake regulation Part V. Endocrine theme 29. Overview of avian neuropeptides and peptides 30. Pituitary gland 31. Thyroids 32. The role of hormones in the regulation of bone turnover and eggshell calcification 33. Adrenals Rocco 34. Endocrine pancreas Part VI. Reproductive theme 35. Reproduction in the female 36. Reproduction in the male 37. The physiology of the avian embryo Part VI. Cross-cutting themes 38. Stress Eco-physiology 39. Physiology of welfare/wellbeing of poultry 40. Reproductive Behavior 41. Physiology of growth 42. Circadian rhythms 43. Circannual cycles and photoperiodism 44. Annual cycles 45. Regulation of body temperature: patterns and processes 46. Flight 47. Physiological challenges of migration 48. Actions of toxicants and endocrine-disrupting chemicals in birds

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Book SynopsisThe 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.Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgements Sponsorship Layout and Methods Introduction - History - Characteristics of shrikes - Shrike communication - Communication summaries and relationships - Glossary - Topography - Genera Overview Species Accounts (1-114) References Appendix A: Problems of species limits and relationships Appendix B: Comparative characters

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Book SynopsisThis authoritative handbook, part of the Helm Identification Guides series, looks in detail at the world''s 170 species of robins and chats. This large family of small passerines was formerly considered to be part of the thrush family, Turdidae, but is now usually treated as a separate family, Muscicapidae, together with the Old World flycatchers. Robins and chats are a diverse family comprising both highly colorful and visible species, such as the robin-chats of Africa, as well as some of the most skulking and elusive birds, such as the shortwings of Asia. Many chats, such as the well-known Nightingale, are renowned songsters, and a good number are highly sought-after by world listers for their extreme rarity or simply because they are hard to see.This book discusses the identification and habits of these birds on a species-by-species basis, bringing together the very latest research, with accurate range maps, more than six hundred stunning color photographs that ilTable of ContentsIntroduction How to Use this Book: Layout and Scope Chat Systematics - Shaking the Tree by Per Alström Colour Plates Species Accounts Bibliography Acknowledgements

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Book SynopsisCovering almost 260 species of gamebirds, this book focuses on identification, status and distribution, habitats and geographical variation. Many of these species are both exotic and endangered, some are kept in private aviaries, while others are exploited commercially.Table of ContentsPreface Systematic List of Species Acknowledgements Introduction Style and Layout of the Book Topography Glossary Colour Plates and Maps Systematic Selection (171-462) Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThis authoritative handbook covers the identification of this difficult group of warblers in breathtakingdetail, illustrated with line drawings, sonograms, wonderful colourplates and photographs. It is destined to become the ultimate referencefor these challenging birds.Trade Review'destined to become the ultimate reference for these challenging birds' Birdbooker report website (12th November 2010) 'Full of amazingly comprehensive data, yet extending an invitation to a world in which so much waits to be discovered, Reed and Bush Warblers is a Premiership-level 'keeper' for sure. A magnum opus, worth of addition to any birder's library.' Birdwatch (April 2011)Table of ContentsForeword by Professor Philip Round Acknowledgements Physical features and main habitat types of Eurasia Pacific Ocean showing location of major island and island groups Provinces of China, India, Pakistan Introduction Taxonomy, Species Inclusion and Sequence Genus and Species Account Topography of a Bird, Terminology and Glossary Migration Moult Strategies Ageing Phylogenetic Relationships as Revealed by Molecular Analyses by Professor Staffan Bensch Origins, Distributions and Extinction of Acrocephalus in the Pacific Ocean Major Contributors and Sources Colour Plates Species Accounts (129-621) Appendices: Appendix 1: Sources of original descriptions, type localities and synonyms Appendix 2: Live wing lengths of selected Palerartic migrant species Appendix 3: Principal measurements from museum specimens Appendix 4: Origins, migration status and moult strategies Appendix 5: Comparative field characters of similar species Appendix 6: Scientific names of other bird species mentioned in the text Appendix 7: Recent developments to 2010 Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisA comprehensive treatment of the birds of the genus Saxicola. It is primarily an identification guide, using colour plates and photographs to illustrate the various races and plumages, but it also covers the biology, habitat and range of each species. Distribution maps are included.Trade ReviewThe Helm series of identification guides is a superb resource. -- Sue Monahan * Birdwatch *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Foreword Sequence and Taxonomy English Names of Birds How to Use this Birds Topography A Molecular Phylogeny of Stonechats & Related Turdids by Michael Wink, Heidi Sauer-Gurth, Petra Heinrich Witt and Eberhard Gwinner Colour Plates Systematic Section (31-288) Photographic Section Glossary Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThe Barn Swallow is one of the most widely distributed bird species, breeding in North America, Europe, Asia and North Africa and wintering in South America, southern Africa, southern Asia and even northern Australia. This book examines various aspects of the life of this bird, with chapters on its flying skills and feeding habits, and more.Trade Review'This authoritative book includes a wealth of research on this charismatic migrant.' 'Once again 'Poyser' has produced another excellent monograph.' Birding World (June 2007) 'An impressive synthesis of a mass of material... Anyone who likes watching Swallows will enjoy the insights provided into the life history. For researchers of social behaviour and flight dynamics, this is an excellent overview that will serve as a first port of call. IBIS (2007) 'This is a fascinating account of what is known of this species, as well as being a thoroughly enjoyable read.' British Birds (April 2007)Table of ContentsList of Figures List of Tables Acknowledgements 1 The Swallows 2 Flight and Feeding Behaviour 3 Social Behaviour and Socialisations 4 Attracting and Choosing a Mate 5 Breeding Strategies 6 Nest Sites and Nests 7 Eggs and Incubations 8 Chicks and Parental Care 9 Productivity and Survival 10 Migration and Dispersal 11 Populations Appendix: Scientific names of plants and animals mentioned in the text Bibliography

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Book SynopsisThis is the first monograph on one of the most beautiful and admired birds in the world. The Gyrfalcon is the world's largest and most powerful falcon - a truly awe-inspiring bird which inhabits the ferociously inhospitable Arctic taiga, from Greenland and Iceland right across Siberia and northern Canada.Trade Review"a good read, presenting much previously inaccessible information, as well as some interesting insights into some of the most remote and inhospitable places on earth." Ian Newton British Birds (Feb 2006) "A well-writen and a beautifully produced book." Ornithos (2005) "A fascinating read." BTO News (Jan/Feb 2006) "Well writen and informative...This book is highly recommeneded...In my opinion, it is equal to the best in single-species raptor books yet published." William S Clark Birdwatch (March 2006) "There is no doubt that this is a scholarly work and probably one of the most valuable and comprehensive on this species." Scottish Bird News (December 2005)Table of ContentsPreface 1 Paleobiogeography 2 Identification and Colours 3 Distribution 4 Population 5 Habitat and Landscape Preferences 6 Food and Feeding Habits 7 Breeding Cycle 8 Dispersal, Seasonal Movements and Winter Distribution 9 Competitors, Commensals and Conspecifics 10 Man and Falcons 11 Threats and Conservation Appendix: Scientific names of plants and animals mentioned in the text Glossary References

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Book SynopsisThis third edition discusses in depth the various ways in which weather conditions influence bird behaviour. Weather conditions affect food and water availability, decisions about when and how to migrate, timing and success of reproduction, flight style and physical comfort.Table of ContentsList of colour plates List of Figures List of Tables Preface and Acknowledgements 1 The Weather 2 Flight 3 Feeding 4 Aerial Feeding 5 Breeding 6 Comfort 7 Migration: Inception and Progress 8 Migration Drift and Displacement 9 Vagrancy 10 Migration of Soaring Birds 11 Extreme Weather 12 Seabirds References Appendices

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Book SynopsisA summary of the findings of the 'Seabird 2000' national initiative to carry out a census on all the breeding seabirds of Britain and Ireland, this study includes accounts of the current numbers and distribution of 25 different species.

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Book SynopsisThis guide is fascinating reading for everyone who has an interest in migration and vagrancy in Britain, has made the journey to see any of the birds concerned, or has ever dreamed of finding a 'first' of their own.Trade Review"will send many tingles of excitement through the older troops who witnessed some of these remarkable birds." Graham Catley British Birds (Feb 2006) "this book is a neat reference, a great read and a must-have for anyone interested in British rarities." Ian Lewington Ornithos (2005) "A gripping read, a thoroughly enjoyable documentation and an attractive, well-produced book. Highly recommended." BTO News (Jan/Feb 2006) "Both a useful reference work and a good read." British Birds (Feb 2006) "Will appeal to the latent twitcher in all of us." The Guardian (26 Nov 2005)Table of ContentsPreface Foreword by Eric Meek Birder's Map of Britain 1980 The twitcher's diary - Richard Millington 1981 The tattler's tale - Chris Harbard 1982 Hitching and twitching - John McLoughlin 1983 Four lifers in one day - Richard Thomas 1984 The dessert courser - Dominic Mitchell 1985 Fanfare for the common bird - Mark Cocker 1986 Birding with Santa - Tim Melling 1987 The birth of Birdline - Steve Gantlett 1988 A whale of a time - Tim Cleeves 1989 Migrating north - Adrian Pitches 1990 Bunting hunting - Colin Bradshaw 1991 A new wife - and several gull friends - Martin Garner 1992 My final season on Fair Isle - Paul Harvey 1993 Tern the other cheek! - Susan Hepton 1994 Ross's Gulls and mega buntings - Steve Young 1995 Premier League birding in Manchester - Judith Smith 1996 A turning point - Alistair Crowle 1997 Year listing one last time - Alan Davies 1998 The patchwatcher's reward - Russell Slack 1999 Finding the big one - Jimmy Steele 2000 In the recovery ward with a Red-Necked Stint - Roger Riddington 2001 Touch and go on North Ronaldsay - Malcolm Roxby 2002 Migration Watch and Wedding March - Dawn Balmer 2003 A fine year in Fife - Ken Shaw 2004 Fabulous Fair Isle - Rebecca Nason Appendix 1 - Firsts for Ireland and the Isle of Man not recorded in Britain Appendix 2 - Categories of the British List References Bibliography Websites Index

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Book SynopsisAn authoritative yet highly readable monograph on one of Britain's rarest yet most spectacular breeding birds, the Golden Oriole. This is the latest title in the acclaimed series of Poyser monographs.Trade Review'this monograph is an absolute must...the authors helped set up the Golden Oriole Group, so there's all the expetise you could want...it's a price well worth paying' Bird Watching (October 2009) 'This monograph fills a gap in the literature at a point when the species' future as a British breeding bird hangs in the balance.' Birding World (2009) 'The enthusiasm of the authors, their detailed knowledge and precise documentation of their work, and chapters such as 'Population: past,present and future'...give the book its special character and everyone interested in orioles should have it on their bookshelf.' Bulletin of the British Ornithologists Union (2010)Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Introduction 1. The Golden Oriole and the genus Oriolus 2. The story of Lakenheath and The Golden Oriole Group 3. Habitat in Britain, Europe and North Africa 4. Habitat in other parts of the breeding range 5. The special case of Kazakhstan 6. Climate and weather 7. Courtship and nest-building 8. Egg-laying and incubation 9. Nestlings and fledglings 10. Diet 11. Interspecific relationships 12. Song and calls 13. Population: past, present and future 14. Migration 15. Wintering 16. Orioles in captivity Appendices 1 Systematic list of Oriolidae 2 List of species mentioned in the text 3 Invertebrate prey 4 Site occupancy 1987-2005 5 'Oriole' in other languages and places 6 Analysis of a recording of an oriole song 7 Details of the 1987 survey 8 Historical records of Golden Oriole in Britain Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisFor this third edition, the typematter has been reset throughout to accommodate the many revisions and additions to the text. The identification drawings, too, have been reviewed and lan Willis has amended or redrawn elements of most of the Figures and has provided several additional drawings. There are 70 new photographs in the section of plates which has now been increased to 96 pages with a total of 248 photographs. The identification of the diurnal birds of prey is especially difficult. There is wide variation in plumage among some species, especially the eagles and buzzards, and in all species general outlines and wing positions are much affected by the prevailing conditions, by wind and light, and by the bird's behaviour at the time. Often, too, the birds are only sighted at long range, and the authors believe that when travelling extensively in Europe even the expert cannot hope to identify more than seventy per cent of the raptors seen. In the book, the 38 European species haveTable of ContentsForeword by James Ferguson-Lees Introduction 1 The Buzzard and Honey Buzzard 2 The Eagles and Osprey 3 The Harriers and Kites 4 The Vultures 5 The Large Falcons 6 The Small Falcons and Black-winged Kite 7 The Accipiters 8 Summary of the Legal Status of Birds of Prey in Europe Index of scientific names

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Book SynopsisFocusing on the raven's ecology in the UK, this text presents a summary of the state of knowledge regarding the raven's natural history, describing its present distribution, habitat requirements, call, feeding habits, social behaviour and population centres.Trade ReviewIt is the sort of bird book I particularly enjoy because a fresh wind blows through much of it, showing the author to be what a writer about ravens should be--an acute observer. Guardian Powerful illustrations complement writing of real insight into these formidable, yet playful, birds. New Scientist Do buy this excellent book and read it. Cambrian Ornithology Society Bulletin No 112 Derek Ratcliffe has an enthusiasm that shines through the pages of his latest book. The text is supported by extensive appendices and tables, crammed with data and facts; serious matters of behaviour and ecology are addressed; but the presentation is constantly enlivened by anecdote. This is a book about real birds, not textbook abstractions. As such it is a joy to read as well as a valuable contribution to ornithology. Habitat [Ratcliffe] presents a comprehensive and historical picture of this once common town scavenger. Birding World The personal approach by the author is refreshing and his administration for the raven is evident throughout the very readable text. hland News GroupTable of ContentsPreface xv Acknowledgements xix Introduction: The Raven: spirit of the wilds 1 1. THE RAVEN IN HUMAN HISTORY 7 Prehistory 8 The Raven in myth and legend 9 From scavenger friend to predator-foe 16 2. THE RAVEN'S COUNTRY 27 Cliff coasts of the agricultural districts 30 Lowland farmland in the west 32 Foothills and marginal land 33 Sheepwalks of the higher hills 34 Grouse-moors of the eastern uplands 35 Deer forests of western and northern Scotland 36 Cliff coasts of the northern and western moorlands 37 3. DISTRIBUTION AND NUMBERS IN BRITAIN AND IRELAND 4O South-east England 40 The Channel Isles 42 South-west England 42 East Anglia 46 Wales 47 Midlands 53 Northern England 55 Southern Scotland 60 Scottish Highlands 64 Scottish Islands 68 Ireland 71 Grand totals 74 4. FOOD AND FEEDING HABITS 75 Studies of food 78 The Raven as a predator 82 Other foods 89 Feeding habits 91 5. SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR 97 Territorialism 97 Flocking and communal roosts 101 Social behaviour in display 107 6. RAVEN MOVEMENTS 118 General movements 118 Daily movements 125 7. ASSOCIATIONS WITH OTHER ANIMALS 127 Birds 127 Mammals 138 8. BREEDING: NEST AND NEST SITE 139 Nest construction 140 Nest sites 144 9. BREEDING: THE EGG STAGE 16O Prelaying behaviour 160 The egg 161 Clutch size 165 Laying 168 Incubation 171 1O. BREEDING: THE YOUNG 174 Nestling growth 175 Brood size 182 Breeding performance 188 Causes of complete breeding failure 189 Egg-collecting and its effects on breeding performance 189 Regional variations in productivity 191 11. TERRITORIAILISM AND POPULATION REGULATION 196 Surplus non-breeding populations 199 Rapid remating 200 The ceiling on numbers 202 Territorialism and variations in breeding density 204 Mechanism of territorial spacing 208 Limitations of unsuitable nesting habitat 210 Mortality, population turnover and capacity for spread 211 12. RAVENS IN THE MODERN SCENE 217 Gamekeepering 218 Afforestation 225 Changes in farming practice 232 Disturbance 236 Pesticides 238 Conclusions 240 13. RAVENS ELSEWHERE IN THE WORL~D 241 Subspecies of Corr~us corax 243 Other species of Raven 245 14. INTELLIGENCE IN RAVENS 249 Appendices 1. Distribution of Raven flocks and roosts in Britain and Ireland 256 2. Calls of the Raven 265 3. Appearance of the Raven 268 4. Scientific names of animal and plant species in the text 271 5. Names of the Raven 274 Bibliography 275 l40 Tables 1-27 284 Index 317 60

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Book SynopsisExamining the taxonomy, appearance, behaviour, ecology and conservation of golden and grey plovers, this text compares and contrasts their natural history and biogeography and gives accounts on feeding, mating, parental care, moults, migration and avoidance of predators.Trade ReviewA well-researched book packed with information. It should appeal to all shorebird enthusiasts, as well as anybody concerned with the ecology of Arctic regions. -- Martin K. McNicholl North American Bird Bander Everything known about these birds is summarized in a very readable way, and the numerous appendices and tables testify to the massive amount of information, with great attention to detail, that has been researched... Birders will appreciate the very detailed discussions of variation, plumage, and molt in the four species. I recommend Tunda Plovers highly, especially to birders with a serious interest in shorebird biology. -- Dennis Paulson Birding There is plenty for the statistically-minded, and the serious researcher, as well as for the general wader-watcher. If you can't buy it, request it from the library! -- Geoff Gibbs Essex Birding Tundra Plovers is an ambitious and rewarding comparative treatment of the four species in the genus Pluvialis. [It] is an extraordinarily attractive book for one so filled with hard ornithological information. -- Peter G. Connors Auk Byrkjedal and Thompson, research scientists from Norway and Scotland, respectively, have melded their specialties of ecology and animal behavior to produce a thoroughly comprehensive analysis of four species of closely related northern hemisphere shorebirds. Choice This is a highly informative book, well presented and in an attractive format. The authors should be congratulated for producing such an easily readable, yet highly informative text which, I believe, will be the key reference for these birds for many years to come. -- Mark Whittingham Ibis It is a deeply inspired book, the labour of love from a gifted Norwegian/Scottish duo. The book is beautiful for its many original drawings by Ingvar Byrkjedal and for its text, and it provides an incredible, worldwide, compilation of data on the birds' morphology, distribution, population sizes, breeding schedules, breeding behaviour, migration patterns and schedules and diets. If you love, or even just like, plovers and the habitats in which they occur, this is a book for you. -- Theunis Piersma Ardea [A] comprehensive review of ecology, behaviour, migrations and biogeography of the genus. The large format and the ... technique of including extensive detail in appendices and tables at the back of the book allow a wealth of information to be presented; the text is well supported by the numerous photographs and drawings. Arctic and mountain regions fascinate many people; so do shorebirds; not only such specialists but many other birdwatchers will get much use and pleasure from this book. -- Jeremy J.D. Greenwood Habitat Written by two authors with over 50 years experience studying tundra plovers between them, this book is as complete an account of their biology as the current state of our knowledge will allow. Every aspect of the ecology of the four species involved is considered in detai... [A] treasure to students and researchers alike... All in all a very nice book. Highly recommended. Earthlife WebTable of ContentsList of plates ix List of figures xiii List of tables xvii Foreword by Dr Derek Ratcliffe xix Preface xxiii Acknowledgements xxix 1. The tundra plovers: an introduction 1 2. Tundra plovers and their allies 34 3. Taxonomy and geographical variation 44 4. Plumages and moults 61 5. Phylogeny and biogeography 89 6. Breeding distribution, population trends and status 102 7. Breeding season: breeding schedules and nesting 125 8. Breeding season: social behaviour 155 9. Breeding season: sex roles and parental behaviour 183 10. Migration and non-breeding distributions 207 11. Behaviour and ecology in the non-breeding season 241 12. Diet: food and feeding 258 13. Associations with other birds 272 14. Conservation 278 Appendix 1: Scientific names of birds and mammals mentioned in the book 291 Appendix 2: Plumage variation in Eurasian Golden Plovers in Norway 295 Appendix 3: Descriptions of plumages of the tundra plovers 299 Appendix 4: The phylogeny of the tundra plovers (by Godtfred A. Halvorsen, Ingvar Byrkjedal &D.B.A. Thompson) 308 Appendix 5: Breeding densities in different parts of the world 328 Appendix 6a: Nest site habitats of Grey Plover 330 Appendix 6b: Nest site habitats ofEurasian Golden Plover 331 Appendix 6c: Nest site habitats of Pacific Golden Plover 333 Appendix 6d: Nest site habitats ofAmerican Golden Plover 334 Appendix 7. Duration of incubation 336 Appendix 8: Sequences of tonal element in trills 337 Appendix 9. Breeding season alarm calls 338 Appendix 10: Geographical and temporal distribution of museum specimens used in the construction of migration routes and phenologies 345 Appendix 11: Geographical distribution of references used for the migration charts and winter distribution maps 353 Appendix 12: Numbers of Grey Plovers counted or estimated in various parts of their wintering range 355 Appendix 13: Winter populations of Eurasian Golden Plovers in parts of their range 357 Appendix 14: Numbers of American Golden Plovers counted in winter on aerial surveys along the coasts of South America 358 References 359 Tables 398 Index 412

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