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One of the most eagerly awaited identification guides, covering all the world's 313 species.

Each species is illustrated by adult, juvenile and selected immature plumages, as well as main geographical races and colour morphs: in all, over 2000 perched and flying birds, some with typical prey, on 112 colour plates. Facing texts highlight the plumage shown and summarise length, wingspan, male-to-female proportion, shape, and flight; also habitat, which in turn relates to the colour distribution maps. Plates 1-3 illustrate representatives, in flight, of all 78 genera, grouped by size and zoogeographical regions. The individual accounts which follow the colour plates are hugely detailed and the result of years of research and observation. They cover distribution and movements; habitat; characters (perched and in flight, and including confusions); voice; food; socio-sexual; breeding, population; variation; measurements; references. The text is enhanced with line drawings illustrating specific points about identification and behaviour.

A landmark volume that sets a new standard for raptor identification.