DUCKS OF BRITAIN AND EUROPE. By M.A. Ogilvie. Illustrated By Carol Ogilvie.

1975 1st edition. 8vo (158 x 240mm). Pp206. Colour illustrated plates and b/w illustrations by Carol Ogilvie, maps. Green boards, spine titled in gilt.Duck footprint pattern to spine.

"The forty-two species, or subspecies of ducks which occur in Europe, including eleven vagrants from North America or Asia, are the subject of this book. ...Most birdwatchers consider ducks to be especially attractive and interesting birds, and many species of ducks are also the legitimate quarry of wildfowlers. Both groups need to identify the species quickly and accurately, and almost half the book is devoted to identification, offering a far more detailed account than is to be found in any of the field guides. There are detailed descriptions, species by species, of the adult males and females, immature birds, eclipse males, and downy young - voice, too, is dealt with - and full-colour plates of males and females show the flight patterns, so important for correct species identification. The habits of European ducks are treated in chapters on behaviour and ecology, breeding, biology, distribution and status, and the ever fascinating topic of migration and navigation. The distribution chapter has maps showing the summer and winter ranges in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and Central Russia, for 24 species. A final chapter consider the present day threats to ducks and their wetland habitats, and the conservation measures being taken to combat the threats".