New parrot identification guide, not to be confused with Forshaw's earlier `Parrots of the World', first published by David & Charles in 1978. This new book, as the subtitle implies, is much more focused on identification. Looks set to become the classic parrot guide.
From the publisher's announcement:
From the macaws of South America to the cockatoos of Australia, parrots are among the most recognizable, and endangered, birds on earth. But until now, no easy-to-use guide existed for the identification of all species and subspecies of these colorful creatures.
Enter Parrots of the World, the most comprehensive handbook for distinguishing some 350 species of parrots from throughout the world. Lavishly illustrated, with more than 120 color plates and additional illustrations, the book covers parrots in homes, zoos, and in the wild, providing detailed descriptions of their key identifying features.
By allowing readers to easily narrow their search to specific geographic areas, the book will prove especially useful to those interested in parrots of a particular locale. Descriptive distribution maps show the geographic location of the different species, and an entire section is devoted to ecological and behavioral information relevant to identification. In addition, the guide differentiates Old World and New World species and points out significant sex or age differences in plumage coloration.
Parrots of the World will provide enormous help to those engaged in gathering important field data and monitoring international trade, two initiatives that are of critical importance to the conservation of parrots worldwide.
Clear, complete, and colorful, this is one guidebook that no museum, research institution, zoo, or bird enthusiast will want to be without.
Key Features:
Easy-to-use, geographic guide
Treats some 350 species
Color distribution maps for all species
Lavishly illustrated, with more than 120 color plates and additional illustrations
Includes ecological and behavioral information
Joseph M. Forshaw is one of Australia's foremost ornithologists and is recognized internationally as a leading expert on parrots. He is the author of several books, including Parrots of the World, with William Cooper; Australian Parrots; The Birds of Paradise and Bower Birds; Kingfishers and Related Birds; and Turacos: A Natural History of the Musophagidae. Frank Knight has been an illustrator for more than twenty-five years, producing illustrations for scientific papers, books, and lectures. His work appears in A Field Guide to the Birds of Australia; and in A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia.
List of Color Plates vii Foreword by James Gilardi ix Preface xi Plan of the Book 1 Introduction 6 PART I. PARROTS OF THE OLD WORLD 15 PART II. PARROTS OF THE NEW WORLD 93 References 157 Index of English Names 159 Index of Scientific Names 167
Joseph M. Forshaw is one of Australia's foremost ornithologists and is recognized internationally as a leading expert on parrots. He is the author of several books, including "Parrots of the World", with William Cooper; "Australian Parrots"; "The Birds of Paradise and Bower Birds";" Kingfishers and Related Birds"; and "Turacos: A Natural History of the Musophagidae". Frank Knight has been an illustrator for more than twenty-five years, producing illustrations for scientific papers, books, and lectures. His work appears in "A Field Guide to the Birds of Australia"; and in "A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia".
Once again Joseph Forshaw has raised the bar of avian identification guides. His latest book ... is a superbly written and illustrated book on all parrot species and subspecies of the world... I cannot recommend this book highly enough and believe it should hold pride of place in any collection of avian volumes. -- Susie Anderson Australian Aviculture Joseph Forshaw's name is synonymous with quality parrot books... For the serious parrot enthusiast, this excellent book is a must-have. Without a doubt, Parrots of the World: An Identification Guide, will remain for years to come, the definitive work on the subject of parrot identification. -- Russell Kingston Australian Birdkeeper As well as helping identification this terrific book also covers the relationships between parrot families, plus their relationship with humans and subsequent conservation issues affecting the birds today. Any fan of birding in the tropics will want a copy, as will those with an interest from an aviculture perspective. The Visitor A wonderful addition to any avian library. AFA Watchbird This is a very valuable reference text. -- Roger Wilkinson Newsletter of the World Parrot Trust Altogether it is a fine addition to the literature and one that will please the most discriminate reader. -- Charles E. Keller Indiana Audubon Quarterly By far the most comprehensive and illustrative handbook for distinguishing all 350 extant species of psittacines in the world... An essential tool. Auk