WADING BIRDS OF THE WORLD. By Eric and Richard Soothill.

1982 1st edition. 8vo (160 x 240mm). Pp333. Colour photographs and b/w illustrations throughout, maps. Blue boards, spine titled in gilt.

"Wetlands are one of the world's most endangered types of habitat. It is this environment that some of the most highly specialised families of birds depend on. In all, over 300 species are described and details given of their characteristics and behaviour, voice, distribution, habitat, food, breeding and display. Dirstribution maps are also included. 70 line drawings point our diagnostic features of similar birds, and also represent the habitat in which the birds are found. This book discusses all sixteen orders of wader and long-legged wading bird. The Charadrii are included; the 'waders' of Europe or 'shorebirds' of North America. Also, the Ciconiiformes and Gruiformes; the herons, bitterns, storks, ibises and spoonbills." Comprehensive in its scope and yet concisely written; this is still a useful book.