|
Showing 1 - 3 of
3 matches in All Departments
Joseph M. Forshaw, one of the world's leading authorities on
parrots, calls attention to the threats they face: They are one of
the most endangered groups of birds, with a growing number of
species nearing extinction. The main threats arise from habitat
loss through deforestation and agricultural development and from
the taking of birds for the international live-bird trade. Vanished
and Vanishing Parrots brings together information on species that
have become extinct in historical times with information on species
that are in danger of becoming extinct to increase public awareness
of the plight of these magnificent birds. Vivid color plates by the
wildlife artist Frank Knight draw attention to the spectacular
species that we have lost or that could be lost. Forshaw's work
gives us fascinating insight into these endangered and extinct
parrots.
Although not closely related, quail, buttonquail and the
Plains-wanderer have much in common. Quail, Buttonquail and
Plains-Wanderer in Australia and New Zealand examines 14 species of
these small, secretive ground-dwelling birds, including Old World
and New World quail, the endangered Buff-breasted Buttonquail, the
elusive Plains-wanderer and the extinct New Zealand Quail. Joseph
Forshaw presents a comprehensive review of recent studies for these
often hard to observe birds. Detailed species descriptions include
key features, habitat, status, diet and breeding, along with
information on eggs, calls and distribution. Each species is fully
illustrated with exquisite colour identification plates by renowned
wildlife artist Frank Knight. This is an essential reference for
anyone fascinated by these elusive birds.
Possibly the most successful urban birds, pigeons and doves in the
Order Columbiformes are one of the most easily recognised groups.
They are an ancient and very successful group with an almost
worldwide distribution and are most strongly represented in
tropical and subtropical regions, including Australia. In most
species simple plumage patterns feature mainly grey and brown with
black, white or dull reddish markings, but the highly colourful
fruit-doves include some of the most beautiful of all birds. From
dense rainforests of north Queensland, where brilliantly plumaged
Superb Fruit-Doves Ptilinopus superbusare heard more easily than
seen, to cold, windswept heathlands of Tasmania, where Brush
Bronzewings Phaps elegans are locally common, most regions of
Australia are frequented by one or more species. For more than a
century after arrival of the First Fleet, interest in these birds
focused on the eating qualities of larger species. In addition to
contributing to declines of local populations in some parts of
Australia, excessive hunting brought about the extinction of two
species on Lord Howe Island and another species on Norfolk Island.
In Pigeons and Doves of Australia, Joseph Forshaw and William
Cooper have summarised our current knowledge of all species,
including those occurring on Christmas, Norfolk and Lord Howe
Islands, and with superb artwork have given readers a visual
appreciation of the birds in their natural habitats. Historical
accounts of extinct species are also included. Detailed information
on management practices for all species is presented, ensuring that
Pigeons and Doves in Australia will become the standard reference
work on these birds for ornithologists and aviculturists.
|
You may like...
Higher
Michael Buble
CD
(1)
R172
R154
Discovery Miles 1 540
|