Raptors of the World (ID Guide) [Hardcover]

James Ferguson-Lees (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 2001 | Series: ID Guide

The newest addition to the highly regarded Helm Identification Series, which includes Seabirds (“unparalleled achievement,” “best bird guide of any kind or of any generation,” “sets the standard of excellence”) and Shorebirds (“a superb guide,” “a landmark volume”).
One of the most eagerly awaited bird books in recent decades, Raptors is the first complete identification guide to all the birds of prey of the world. Each of the 313 species is described thoroughly and accurately, and every plumage and variation is shown in more than two thousand color illustrations plus hundreds of black-and-white drawings. Both large-scale and small-scale range maps show in detail where each species has been found.
Like all the other identification guides in the Helm series — including Seabirds, Shorebirds, Warblers of the Americas, Waterfowl, Woodpeckers, and Sparrows and Buntings — Raptors is the definitive book on its subject. The birds of prey are arguably the most fascinating group of birds for birders and nonbirders alike, and Raptors will be an essential reference for anyone with an interest in birds.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Prepared with the same grace that raptors possess, this is an impressive opus. As the first major entry in the publisher's "Helm Identification" series in many years, it is of course intended for identification. But even Ferguson-Lees, deputy director of the Royal Society for Bird Preservation, and Christie, assistant editor of British Birds, realize that given its heft this volume may be used more as a reference than as a field guide. To narrow identification choices, birders can carry a smaller guide suited to their current locale, such as David Allen Sibley's recent The Sibley Guide to Birds (LJ 11/1/00), and then consult this work later for further help. All 313 species of diurnal raptors (excluded are the nocturnal owls) are illustrated in color and black and white, perched and in flight. As with any field guide, information is provided for identification, including brief descriptive text next to the color plate, illustrations of juvenile and adult plumage, and a range map. Reference text about each species describes distribution (with a larger map), movements, habitat, field characters, perched and flight characteristics, confusion species, voice, food, sociosexual behavior, breeding, population, variations, size measurements, and references. An index and a colossal 50-page bibliography conclude the work. The plate color is good, and the images are clear. A required purchase for every ornithology collection, academic or public, this book is highly recommended.DNancy Moeckel, Miami Univ. Libs., Oxford, OH
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"A major addition to the raptor literature." - International Hawkwatcher

"Raptors is one of the most important bird books in recent decades. . . (it) is now the seminal work on the world's hawks." Bird Watcher's Digest

"An excellent reference for researchers and enthusiasts." - Northeastern Naturalist

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 872 pages
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (October 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0618127623
• ISBN-13: 978-0618127627
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.6 x 2.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #736,267 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you are into raptors - don't miss this great book, October 16, 2001

By 

Thomas Søby - See all my reviews

This review is from: Raptors of the World (ID Guide) (Hardcover)

This fantastic book covers all the raptors of the world. The book is extraordinary good in the descriptions of the birds of prey, and the plates are fantastic. The book includes illustrations of adults, juvenile, male and female birds, and all the illustrations are great.

Furthermore there is introdoctionary chapters on identification of raptors, on their migration, breeding patterns etc.

It's great finally to have a single book covering all the raptors of the world, especially when the book is as great as this one. Everybody who have an interest in raptors simply needs to own it.

The only problem as far as I can see is, that it's impossible to take the book with you into the field, so I guess you still need your normal fieldguide.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE BOOK, January 7, 2002

By 

Constantino Flores (Athens, GA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Raptors of the World (ID Guide) (Hardcover)

Definitely the standard work about raptors. First class information -all entries are based upon the most recent serious investigations, and by that I mean published in respected journals- There are more bibliography pages than index pages (and for such a comprehensive encyclopedic work that is something). Latest figures regarding geographic distribution and very accurate population assessments. Very good illustrations (some a little small though, but well accomplished overall). Definitely a must have for birders and nature lovers.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best One For Such Magnificent Bird Group, February 7, 2005

By 

WildOne "Arpit.Deomurari" (India) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Raptors of the World (ID Guide) (Hardcover)

One of the best and authorative book ever since publish on the Raptors of the world. Covering 313 species of the raptors across the world. It has vast bibilography and information on each species like habitat, ecology, behaviour etc. The book contains a wealth of detailed information on identification and distribution, with a full description of each species, including reference to all recognized races.Habitat and range for all species, together with information on movements and breeding behavior, are also covered. The depictions differentiate adults, immatures, and most of the distinctive races.The detailed and accurate text and spectacular color illustrations will make this book indispensable to all ornithologists and birders. This will be, undoubtedly, the standard work on thrushes for many years to come.

* Comprehensive identification guide to all 313 species of raptors throughout the world
* Detailed text covering identification, description, geographical variation, voice, status and distribution, movements, habitat, behavior, and measurements
* Each of the 313 species is described thoroughly and accurately, and every plumage and variation is shown in more than two thousand color illustrations plus hundreds of black-and-white drawings. Both large-scale and small-scale range maps show in detail where each species has been found.

ONE OF THE MUST HAVE EDITION FOR SERIOUS BIRDERS ACROSS THE WORLD FOR SUCH A DIFFICULT GROUP OF BIRDS.