Book Description
A Guide to the Nests, Eggs, and Nestlings of North American Birds, Second Edition provides a thorough, species-by-species guide to the breeding biology of the birds of North America. Some 669 breeding species are described in full, covering the birds of a vast area, from the Arctic to the southern boundary of the continental United States. The main text presents complete basic information on the breeding cycle of each species, summarized in a natural sequence: nest habitat, nest-site, nest construction, breeding season, eggs, incubation and nesting and nestling period. More than 700 color and line illustrations provide valuable information on the identification of the nests, eggs, and nestlings of 597 species. The book covers perhaps the most fascinating aspects of North American bird life, their reproduction and the care of their young, essential elements in the survival of any species. The book summarizes all that is known of this crucial part of a bird's life cycle, and by omission, points to what is yet unknown and may yet be discovered by the scientific ornithologist and birder alike. If your fascination in the nests, eggs, and nestlings of North American birds centers on identifying them in the field, you will find this book essential. If conservation is also a concern, you will appreciate the value of understanding the breeding requirements and biology of even the most common of species. This book will prove invaluable whatever your interest in North American birds.
Key Features:
* Describes nests, eggs, and nestlings and gives basic biological information on nesting and breeding biology
* Includes up-to-date coverage of all North American breeding species, including Alaska and Canada in one comprehensive volume
* Contains more than 700 color and line illustrations of nests, eggs, and nestlings
Species List by Family:
Loons: Gaviidae. Grebes: Podicipedidae. Shearwaters: Procellariidae. Storm-Petrels: Hydrobatidae. Boobies and Gannets: Sulidae. Pelicans: Pelecanidae. Cormorants: Phalacrocoracidae. Darters: Anhingidae. Frigatebirds: Fregatidae. Bitterns and Herons: Ardeidae. Ibises and Spoonbills: Threskiomithidae. Storks: Ciconiidae. Swans, Geese, and Ducks: Anatidae. American Vultures: Catharidae. Kites, Hawks, Eagles and Allies: Accipitridae. Caracaras and Falcons: Falconidae. Guans: Cracidae. Partridges, Grouse, Turkey, and Quail: Phasianidae. Rails, Gallinules, and Coots: Rallidae. Limpkins: Aramidae. Cranes: Gruidae. Plovers: Charadriidae. Oystercatchers: Haematopodidae. Stilts and Avocets: Recurvirostridae. Jacanas: Jacanidae. Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies: Scolopacidae. Jaegers, Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers: Laridae. Auks, Murres, and Puffins: Alcidae. Pigeons and Doves: Columbidae. Parakeets and Parrots: Psittacidae. Cuckoos, Roadrunner, and Anis: Cuculidae. Barn Owls: Tytonidae. Typical Owls: Strigidae. Goatsuckers: Caprimulgidae. Swifts: Apodidae. Hummingbirds: Trochilidae. Trogons: Trogonidae. Kingfishers: Alcedinidae. Woodpeckers: Picidae. Tyrant Flycatchers: Tyrannidae. Larks: Alaudidae. Swallows: Hirundinidae. Jays, Magpies, and Crows: Corvidae. Titmica: Paridae. Verdin: Remizidae. Bushtits: Aegithalidae. Nutcatchers: Sittidae. Creepers: Certhiidae. Bulbuls: Pycnonotidae. Wrens: Troglodytidae. Dippers: Cinclidae. Old World Warblers, Gnatcatchers, Old World Flycatchers, Thrushes and Wrentit: Uscicapidae. Mockingbirds and Thrashers: Mimidae. Wagtails and Pipits: Motacillidae. Waxwings Bombycillidae. Silky-Flycatchers: Ptilogonatidae. Shrikes: Laniidae. Starlings: Stumidae. Vireos: Vireonidae. Wood-Warblers, Tanagers, Cardinals, Grosbreaks, Sparrows, Buntins, Blackbirds, and Allies: Emberizidae. Fringinlline and Carueline Finches and Allies: Fringillidae. Old World Sparrows: Passeridae.
Synopsis
A Guide to the Nests, Eggs, and Nestlings of North American Birds provides a thorough, species by species, guide to the breeding biology of the birds of North America. Some 669 breeding species are described in full, covering the birds from the Arctic to the southern boundary of the continental United States. The book presents complete basic information on the breeding cycle of each species, covering their nest habitat, nest site, nest construction, breeding season, eggs, incubation, and nesting and nestling period. More than 100 black and white drawings of nests and nestlings provide valuable information on the identification of the nests, eggs, and nestlings of the species, 16 colour plates show a wide range of typical young, and 48 colour plates show the eggs of 597 species. A Guide to the Nests, Eggs, and Nestlings of North American Birds covers the most fascinating aspects of North American birdlife--their reproduction and the care of their young. Some 669 breeding species are described in full, covering the birds of the Arctic to the birds of the southern boundary of the continental United States.
More than 100 black and white drawings of nests and nestlings and identification keys provide valuable information on the identification of the nests, eggs, and nestlings of the species. 16 colour plates show a wide range of typical young, mostly of species with precocial, or downy nestlings. A further 48 colour plates show the eggs of 597 species. This fully up-to-date book summarizes all that is known about this crucial part of the birds life cycle and points to what is yet unknown and to things that may yet be discovered by the scientific ornithologist and birder alike. Features: * Describes nests, eggs, and nestlings and gives basic biological info on nesting and breeding biology * Includes up-to-date coverage of all North American breeding species, including Alaska and Canada in one comprehensive volume
