Grebes: Podicipedidae

About this book

Grebes are fascinating and intriguing birds. They are unusual and unique in many ways; their habit of feather-eating; their method of sunbathng; their special method of underwater propulsion; the unusual structure of their feet; their courtship behaviour; and their floating nests. This indispensable work of reference includes 16 specially commissioned colour plates by Jon Fjeldsa, showing adults of all species and many juveniles, immatures and subspecies, and 116 black and white drawings illustrating special features and behaviour. Provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date species-level information available.

Contents

Foreword; Acknowledgements; List of colour plates; List of abbreviations; Plan of the book; PART I: GENERAL CHAPTERS; 1. Introduction; 2. Constraints of diving; 3. Relationships of grebes and divers; 4. The morphology of grebes; PART II: THEMATIC CHAPTERS; 5. The biogeography of grebes; 6. The ecological distribution of grebes; 7. Feeding ecology; 8. Behaviour and communication; 9. Breeding and life history; 10. Environmental threats; 11. Conservation; PART III: CLASSIFICATION AND SPECIES ACCOUNTS; 12. The Family Podicipedidae; Appendix 1: Description of 80 morphological characters used for the phylogenetic analysis for grebes; Appendix 2: Matrix of character states used for the phylogenetic analysis of grebes; Glossary; Bibliography; Index

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