THE AUKS: ALCIDAE. By Anthony J. Gaston and Ian L. Jones.

1998 1st edition. 4to (193 x 251mm). Pp349. Colour paintings of auks by Ian Lewington, line drawings by Ian Lewington and Ian Jones, b/w photographs, location maps, extensive bibliography. Black boards, spine titled in gilt.

This is a detailed account of the auk species of the work, their biology, behaviour and habitat. Chapters include: Auks and their world; Systematics and evolution; Distribution and biogeography; auks in ecosystems; Social behaviour; Chick development and the transition from land to sea; Populations and conservation. Species accounts: Great Auk; Razorbill; Common Murre, Thick-Billed Murre; Dovekie; Black Guillemot, Pigeon Guillemot, Spectacled Guillemot; Marbled Murrelet, Kittlitz's Murrelet; Xantus' Murrelet; Craven's Murrelet; Ancient Murrelet; Japanese Murrelet; Cassin's Auklet; Parakeet Auklet; Crested Auklet, Least Auklet, Whiskered Auklet; Rhinoceros Auklet; Atlantic Puffin, Horned Puffin, Tufted Puffin.