Farmlands, collectively, form the largest habitat on the globe, supporting a huge variety of birds. This book covers all the major farmland habitats of the world, from grasslands to rice fields, and from arable land to coffee cultivations. It details more than 500 species of farmland birds, 160 of which are pictured, and includes common birds, such as the cattle egret which is found across the globe, through to such rarities as the crested ibis in Chinese rice fields, the crimson rosella in Australian orchards, and the burrowing owl of North American grasslands.
Much of this birdlife, however, is in decline or under threat. The book identifies the many challenges that farmland birds face, such as intensification and greater mechanisation of farming. It also explores the opportunities available for protecting and supporting farmland birds, and highlights actions that can and have been taken.
1.Introduction
2.Birds and farmland
3.Grasslands
4.Arable land: cereals and other annual crops
5.Rice fields
6.Orchards, tree plantations and forest gardens
7.Coffee and cacao cultivation systems
8.Farmyards
9.The future of farmland birds