Illustrations by J N Davies
This volume covers 115 species - the pratincoles, migratory waders and shore-birds, skuas, gulls and terns, and pigeons and doves. Information is presented in sections covering field identification, habitat, distribution and population, movements, food, social organization, social behaviour, voice, breeding, and plumages. Each account has a full list of references and black and white illustrations of behavioural postures and plumage features, maps showing breeding and non-breeding distribution, sonograms of calls and songs, and diagrams of timing of breeding and moultings.