THE PEREGRINE FALCON. By Derek Ratcliffe.

1980 1st edition. Large 8vo (158 x 241mm). Pp416. Colour plates, illustrations by Donald Watson, colour plate of eggs, b/w photographs, maps, bibliography. Burgundy boards, gilt falcon motif and titles to spine.

"Dr Ratcliffe's account of this especially interesting bird of prey has been eagerly awaited and now more than meets expectations. Not only is this a detailed, definitive study by an internationally acknowledged authority, it is also a well composed work with an easy flow that conceals its author's skilled presentation." Chapters include: The peregrine and man; The peregrine's country; Population trends in Britain; Distribution and numbers in Britain; Food and feeding habits; Nesting habitat; The breeding cycle - pairing courtship; The breeding cycle - laying to fledgling; Movements and migration; Breeding density and territory; Population regulation and dynamics; Ecological relationships with other birds; The pesticide story; Other enemies; Appearance, form and geographical variation; Conservation and the future.