Indigenous knowledge that embraces ornithology takes in whole social dimensions that are inter-linked with environmental ethos, conservation and management for sustainability. In contrast, western approaches have tended to reduce knowledge to elemental and material references. This book looks at the significance of indigenous knowledge of birds and their cultural significance, and how these can assist in framing research methods of western scientists working in related areas. As well as its knowledge base, this book provides practical advice for professionals in conservation and anthropology by demonstrating the relationship between mutual respect, local participation and the building of partnerships for the resolution of joint problems. It identifies techniques that can be transferred to different regions, environments and collections, as well as practices suitable for investigation, adaptation and improvement of knowledge exchange and collection in ornithology. The authors take anthropologists and biologists who have been trained in, and largely continue to practise from, a western reductionist approach, along another path - one that presents ornithological knowledge from alternative perspectives, which can enrich the more common approaches to ecological and other studies as well as plans of management for conservation.

Indigenous knowledge that embraces ornithology takes in whole social dimensions that are inter-linked with environmental ethos, conservation and management for sustainability. In contrast, western approaches have tended to reduce knowledge to elemental and material references. This book looks at the significance of indigenous knowledge of birds and their cultural significance, and how these can assist in framing research methods of western scientists working in related areas. As well as its knowledge base, this book provides practical advice for professionals in conservation and anthropology by demonstrating the relationship between mutual respect, local participation and the building of partnerships for the resolution of joint problems. It identifies techniques that can be transferred to different regions, environments and collections, as well as practices suitable for investigation, adaptation and improvement of knowledge exchange and collection in ornithology. The authors take anthropologists and biologists who have been trained in, and largely continue to practise from, a western reductionist approach, along another path - one that presents ornithological knowledge from alternative perspectives, which can enrich the more common approaches to ecological and other studies as well as plans of management for conservation.

Population Biology of Passerine Birds is an up-to-date synthesis of the most recent developments in its field, especially in the framework of modern life history theories. Major topics include quantitative genetics, ecological physiology, the study of social structures using individually marked birds in the wild, and finally biometry, which allows to quantify such important parameters as survival at different stages of life and to create a model of the overall demography of the populations.

"Philip's Photographic Guide to Birds of the World" features 1,300 individual bird species, making it the most comprehensive single-volume photographic collection of birds ever produced. As well as illustrating in full colour one seventh of all known bird species, the book also features the most up-to-date listing of all known species, with information on range and status. The text is written by an international panel of experts. The book begins by tracing the evolution of birds and takes an in-depth look at their incredibly varied adaptations. After explaining the principles of bird classification and identification, and how the latest DNA findings have helped us to re-evaluate bird relationships, the major families of birds are described, including main characteristics, principal species, total number of species, any noteworthy features, and conservation status; in addition each family is illustrated by a representative species. In the main part of the book, the species photographs and descriptive entries are arranged systematically by zoogeographical region Nearctic, Neotropical, Palaearctic, Afrotropical, Oriental and Australasian. (Broadly speaking this translates as North America, Central and South America, Europe and Mediterranean, Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Australiasia). Each region is introduced with a concise account of the birds of the region and maps identifying significant bird-watching locations. Then each species entry covers the key elements of description, behaviour, habitat, distribution and notes any key conservation concerns. "Philip's Photographic Guide to Birds of the World" is an essential reference for all bird enthusiasts, whether active and committed bird watchers or bird-lovers who want to learn more about these fascinating creatures. With many birdwatchers travelling widely on vacation, this work will be a valuable addition to a reference collection.