This comprehensive field guide covers more than 500 bird species, including all those that commonly breed, pass through or winter in Britain and Europe, plus a number of regular vagrants. It has 70 beautifully illustrated and very accurate full-page colour plates illustrating a variety of plumages and poses for most species.
The concise text is packed with essential information on the identification, calls, distribution and status of each species and the account for each species is on the page opposite its illustration. There is a distribution map of the distribution within Europe for most species.
The book's combination of authority and portability make it an essential field companion for any European birdwatcher. It includes the latest taxonomic 'splits' such as Caspian Gull, Yelkouan Shearwater, Balearic Warbler and Iberian Green Woodpecker. The introduction includes an overview of bird families, while there is a section on birdsong at the end of the book.
Peter H Barthel is a popular and highly respected author of bird books in continental Europe. Award-winning artist Paschalis Dougalis has illustrated books on all aspects of natural history. Both live in Germany.