RAPTORS OF THE WORLD. By James Ferguson-Lees and David A. Christie.

2001 1st edition. Large 8vo (169 x 246mm). Pp992. Colour plates by Kim Franklin, David Mead and Philip Burton, bibliography. Red boards, spine titled in gilt.

This is a guide to all 313 species of birds of prey in the world. "Each species is illustrated by an adult, juvenile and selected immature plumages, as well as main geographical races and colour morphs: in all, over 2,000 perched and flying birds, some with typical prey, are depicted on the 112 colour plates. Facing texts highlight the plumages shown and summarise length, wingspan, male-to-female proportion, shape, and flight; habitat is also summarised, which in turn relates to the colour distribution maps. ..The individual accounts which follow the plates section detail distribution and movements; habitat; characters (perched and in flight, and including confusion species); voice; food; sociosexual behaviour; breeding; population; geographical variation; measurements; references. The text [contains] numerous line drawings further illustrating specific points about identification and behaviour. ...A landmark volume which will be the standard reference for this popular group for many years to come."