THE PEREGRINE FALCON. By Derek Ratcliffe. With illustrations by Donald Watson.

(1980) 1980 1st US edition. Large 8vo (158 x 240mm). Pp416. Colour plates, illustrations by Donald Watson, colour plate of eggs, b/w photographs, maps, bibliography. Maroon cloth, spine titled in gilt with gilt peregrine motif.

This is a classic in its field which set a standard for subsequent works of this type. "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." This is the American edition of Poyser's original title, the US and UK editions being to all intents and purposes identical. A fascinating and very readable account of these colourful and attractive birds. 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. The first Poyser edition, now long out of print, sells for between GBP 50.00 and 100.00.