Finches and Sparrows (Paperback)

~ (Author), Alan Harris (Illustrator), (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

Review

The illustrations are attractive and useful for identification of all 290 finches. In many cases these are the best available color plates for the species. -- Review

Product Description

Among the most familiar and colorful of birds, finches and sparrows occupy almost every type of habitat throughout the world--from the environs of the Dead Sea to agricultural lowlands to the tops of the Himalayas. However, no comprehensive single-volume treatment of these families has appeared until now. Finches and Sparrows, which combines nearly 950 color portraits with detailed descriptions of every species, is an easy-to-use identification guide for birdwatchers, conservationists, and ornithologists, who, along with cagebird enthusiasts, will find this book an invaluable reference.

For the first time all 290 species in the families Fringillidae, Estrildidae, and Passeridae are described and illustrated in color. The color plates feature every species, many races, and most sex and age variations, and the line drawings accompanying the text depict wing patterns, bill and head shapes, and other plumage details. Over 280 color maps show breeding and wintering ranges for all species. Sections on voice, status, behavior, distribution, movements, and measurements, together with information on species encountered in captivity, help make this the most comprehensive and up-to-date guide on these birds.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 514 pages
• Publisher: Princeton University Press (December 14, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0691048789
• ISBN-13: 978-0691048789
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,798,566 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The single best book on finch and sparrow indetification., April 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Finches & Sparrows : An Identification Guide (Hardcover)

I am a breeder and distributor of different finches and this book has been the best resource I have been able to find. The picture plates are finely detailed including many sub-species of each type of finch. It even covers some finches that are too rare to be covered in any other book. There is detailed information on each species including, but not limited to, regional location (including migration and breeding maps), identification, differences between sub-species, availability, habitat requirements, food eaten, and scientific and local names. I really want someone to make a book as well done covering Weavers, Whydas, and Buntings. If you are looking to identify species and sub-species of finches then this is probably the only book you will need--period.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Guide to Finches & Sparrows, Ever!, May 4, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Finches & Sparrows : An Identification Guide (Hardcover)

This book is an absolute must for any bird lover and bird breeder. The Guide covers all Finches, Waxbills and Sparrows. The plates and maps are placed together at the front of the book and the text toward the back. The guide is beautifully illustrated in 73 full color plates. There is an average of 4 species per plate allowing the illustrations to be large and very accurate . Each specie is delt with in great detail including male, female and juvenile plumages and often the subspecies. The maps display breeding, wintering and permanent ranges. Each specie's text is subdevided into pargraphs : Identification, Description, Geographical Variation, Voice, Status, Habitat and Behaviour, Distribution, Movements, Measurements and Reference. This is an absolute must have book for every bird lover. It has all the requirements for the perfect bird guide

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Finches & sparrows, December 13, 2001

By	"ykkp" (Singapore, Singapore Singapore) - See all my reviews

It is a nice book but my only complaint is that the birds in it are limited. It did not have indigo buntings and rose breasted grosbeaks, etc.
Also, some of the descriptions do not seem accurate, eg differences between a yellow fronted canary and a yellow eye canary are not highlighted, and the female distinguishing markings are also not covered. The description on the song is also not accurate. I was disappointed with the book because I expected a lot more for the price I paid.