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Paperback edition of the hardcover, originally published in 1999.

This major handbook presents information on the field identification of the 42 species of raptor found in the region. Written by one of Europe's leading experts on raptor identification, the book includes more than 700 high quality colour photographs that have been specifically chosen to demonstrate the plumage of each age and sex class of every species found in Europe and the Middle East. The photographs are complemented by almost 100 line drawings focusing on particular identification details, and are backed up by a detailed text enabling the recognition of even the most difficult species.

This book describes the plumage and soft part colouration of each category of bird, and compares and contrasts with similar plumages of species which may cause confusion. The book also discusses the difficulties caused by stage of moult, variation in light conditions, and changes in silhouette arising from different flight types.

Fully referenced with a list of nearly 300 key papers and articles, this book is the essential reference to the field identification of every species, age, and sex class of raptors.

`I can imagine few Western Palearctic birders with a serious general interest in field identification not wanting to own this guide. For raptor workers, be they monitoring migrations or censusing breeding populations, it must be considered essential. Forsman's guide can be recommended in no uncertain terms.' - Guy Kirwan, Birding World.