Comprehensive identification guide to all 214 of the world's species. A widespread and striking family, they are found in virtually all the forests and woodlands in the tropics, subtropics and temperate zones. There are introductory chapters covering many aspects of woodpecker biology and ecology, followed by the plate section (by Dave Nurney), which includes captions. There then follows the main text, with full identification description, habits, breeding, habitat, distribution and status. Distribution maps are included in the text. 'a beautifully illustrated, well-organized and very readable summary of our current knowledge of the Picidae.' Bruno Walther, IBIS.