"Truly authoritative, but very readable, review of the more than 9,800 bird species on our planet... This well-done reference should be useful for the academic library but also for general public with its easy-to-read text. Indeed, many serious birders may well want to have this hefty volume on their home shelves." - American Reference Books Annual The ultimate reference to the vast world of birds. Like no other group in the animal kingdom, birds capture our imagination. Comprehensive and up-to-date, the Firefly Encyclopedia of Birds is the definitive single-volume guide to these infinitely fascinating creatures. Entries written by a team of renowned biologists and conservationists give a systematic account of every bird family, covering form and function, distribution, diet, social behavior and breeding biology. With one-eighth of all bird species now under threat, special attention is given to environmental and conservation issues. The Encyclopedia's core articles are complemented by special features that provide detailed coverage of particular topics. Photo stories showcase superb examples of wildlife photography. The clear, easy-to-read text of the Encyclopedia is enhanced by about 1,000 photographs revealing the enormous diversity of birds in their natural habitats, from Arctic tundra to tropical rain forest. In addition, a wealth of beautifully detailed color and line illustrations depict representative species from each family and highlight characteristic behaviors. Throughout, "Factfiles" with distribution maps and scale drawings place essential data at the reader's fingertips. Offering a unique combination of scholarship, accessible language, spectacular photography and detailed illustrations, the Firefly Encyclopedia of Birds is a key reference. This authoritative and fascinating resource will appeal both to the amateur observer of bird life and to the student of ornithology. AUTHOR: Christopher Perrins is a distinguished ornithologist and the author of many academic studies and popular books on birds. He was Professor of Ornithology at Oxford University from 1992 to 2002 and Director of the Edward Grey Institute of Field Ornithology from 1974 to 2002, and has been a visiting lecturer at universities in Canada and Australia.