Birds of Prey [Hardcover]

Ian Newton (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA-- Magnificent photos accompanied by a very readable, descriptive, yet scientific, text raise this book above coffee-table status. Coverage is given to all meat-eating birds (except owls, which are not considered raptors), from the world's largest, the Andean condor, to the smallest, the 3 oz. African pygmy falcon. Field guide drawings of all major raptors are provided, with details about each bird's appearance, size, diet, and range. The bulk of the work, which is based largely on original research by noted ornithologists, examines the many facets of these birds. The photos and diagrams help readers understand the habits of these creatures, whether it be "bone dropping" by bearded vultures or the social hunting techniques used by Harris's hawks as they ambush rabbits. Many bird books are available; this is one of the best.
- Pam Spencer, Jefferson Sci-Tech, Alexandria, VA
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Approximately 292 species of raptors--birds of prey including eagles, hawks, kites, falcons, and vultures--exist today in all parts of the world except the polar regions and some islands. The articles collected here provide a comprehensive survey of raptor classification, biology, behavior, and conservation, as well as a review of human-raptor interactions, which have ranged from deification to deliberate campaigns of extermination. Balancing scientific data and clarity of style, this is accessible to nonspecialists without condescending or oversimplifying. A fine complement to field guides; for public and undergraduate birding collections.
- Paul B. Cors, Univ. of Wyoming Lib., Laramie
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Weldon Owen Inc. (August 1, 2000)
• ISBN-10: 187513798X
• ISBN-13: 978-1875137985
• Product Dimensions: 12.5 x 10.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,237,244 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent in every way..., April 3, 2003

By 

J. P. Wilson (Mt. Pleasant, SC United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Birds of Prey (Hardcover)

This is a fabulous book for anyone interested in birds of prey at any level. Coffee table sized, it is well organized, thoughtfully written, with excellent photographs and huge illustrations. I have read it cover to cover and use it frequently as a reference guide. Highly recommended to anyone, from the most ardent raptor specialist to those with a curiosity about these magnificent creatures. Of all the books out on my tables it is by far the most often picked up by house guests, a must for any enthusiast.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well, hello there, my fine, feathered furies!, November 3, 2005

By 

Alex K "Catman" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Birds of Prey (Hardcover)

Ah, yes! This is just about the best birds of prey book I've ever read. As you know, big cats, hyenas, and wolves are my favorite thing on land, and sharks, ceteceans, & cool fish are my favorite things in water. It should be no surprise birds of prey are my favorite thing in the sky. They are both cool and cool looking, and boy can they do a lot of fascinating stuff! This book I am reviewing tells everything worth having knowledge about on birds of prey. It tells what they eat and how they catch it, what they do to feed, shelter, and educate their young(and how many eggs they might lay and how often, it varies with each different raptor)it tells the history they've had, the things they've gone through in terms of evolution and success, and it also shows all of the things man has done to worship, threaten, and protect these amazing birds. It tells many true stories of birds that were nursed back to health, as well as birds that died from shooting or pesticides and anything in between. Two men have made this book, and those same men have told what they have done to make sure birds of prey don't die out. This is the book you need if you like birds or animals in any way, and I recommend it to any & all over the age of 12. Nuff said. Buy this masterpiece.