The Birds of Paradise: Paradisaeidae [Hardcover]

Clifford B. Frith (Author), Bruce M. Beehler (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0198548532 | ISBN-13: 978-0198548539 | Publication Date: September 10, 1998

Birds of paradise have long played a central part in human mythologies and captured the imagination of collectors, scientists, and naturalists. Birds of Paradise provides the first comprehensive, up-to-date, and scientifically accurate overview of the behavior, biology, ecology, biogeography, and history of the most ornate and dramatic group of birds on earth. The book is lavishly illustrated with specially commissioned color depictions of all 42 species of birds of paradise and original line drawings of many behaviors never before recorded, as well as numerous maps and graphs. This stunning book will delight a wide range of readers, from professional ornithologists to amateur naturalists.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`'The first comprehensive overview of this dramatic group of birds...' BBC Wildlife

`'...an exhaustive summary of literally everything known about all 42 birds of paradise...I must also comment onf Frith and Beehler's organizational skill, from which any would-be author could learn. Masses of details are renedered digestible...Questions for future research are highlighted throughout, making this book another treasure trove for studnet sin search of PhD theseis topics.' Jared Diamond Nature

`'...this book will stimulate interest in the habits and conservation of these magnificent birds and the paradise in which they live.'' World Birdwatch

About the Author

Clifford B. Frith is at Queensland Museum, Brisbane. Bruce M. Beehler is at Smithsonian Institute, Washington.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 680 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (September 10, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198548532
• ISBN-13: 978-0198548539
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 8 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #444,106 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars THE BOOK on Birds of Paradise, April 3, 2001

By 

Rasmus Bøgh - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Birds of Paradise: Paradisaeidae (Hardcover)

This is a truly massive work (600+ pages all in "King-size") more suited for the coffee-table than the field. If there is anything you would like to know about Birds of Paradise you can find it here. The first part (150+ pages) of the book deals with a huge number of scientific matters examples being the discovery, ecology, biogeography, evolution, conservation, and reproductive behaviour of the Paradisaeidae. A absolutely astonishing number of tables exist in this part of the book. The next 300+ pages of the book deals with the individual species (all 42 or so species incl. Manucodes and Riflebirds). These descriptions are truly comprehensive dealing with description (incl. juv. and nestling appearance), distribution, systematics, subspecies, size, distribution (incl. map), habitat, vocalisation, courtship behaviour, diet, status, where any knowledge is lacking, and experiences in aviculture (this is just a sample of the subjects dealt with!!!). Numerous black-and-white drawings show different behaviours and a sonogram is often included. The text is scientific (with numerous references), however it should not present a large problem to the average reader, as a glossary exists in the back of the book. In the centre of the book 15 colour plates exists. One shows old drawings of Bird of Paradise, another shows different habitat photos, and yet another shows different nesting behaviour and moulting of a number of species (also in photos). The remaining plates show some of the highest quality drawings of birds I have ever seen. All the species of Birds of Paradise are depicted in a huge variety of plumage's (e.g. males, females, juveniles, and different subspecies). One plate is even devoted to their egg's. The drawings can only bee described as a true appetiser for anyone interested in beauty. The last two plates depict a number of hybrids apparently rather common in the Birds of Paradise. A chapter also deals with this subject. Well, after all this scientific nonsense, who would want to buy this book (other than a scientist)? Everybody interested in special, interesting, and beautiful birds. If you are going to New Guinea in the near future this is absolutely also a book worth looking at. A five page chapter also discusses how, when, and where best to see Birds of Paradise (also as a the tourist!!!). It will prepare you for this astonishing group of birds like no field guide could ever do. The only thing I would have wished for is more colour photos.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Birds of Paradise, November 11, 2001

By 

nick blackbeard (Bali, Indonesia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Birds of Paradise: Paradisaeidae (Hardcover)

I have just returned from Irian Jaya and spent the time looking at birds (including some BOP)and reading this excellent book. It is an extremely thorough, comprehensive and enjoyable book. Anybody who has an interest in Birds of Paradise - or indeed birds in general will do well to invest in this book. One day all bird books will be like this. Well done Frith, Beehler & Cooper - well done indeed.

4 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars GOOD BOOK, February 2, 2000

By 

flemming Rasmussen (Denmark falster) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Birds of Paradise: Paradisaeidae (Hardcover)

Hey thes book is very good i am from denmark and when i first saw it it seams like a good book, nice colorfotos of every species and easy readable text what moore can i say buy it *s*