A Birders' Guide to the Behaviour of European and North American Birds

About this book

An excellent summary of field studies from the last 2 decades, this volume aims to fill the gap between the level of knowledge of professional ornithologists and serious birders. In Part A, the author describes the origin and functions of plumage colouration as well as the social role of bird song and various calls. Part B discusses male and female contests, the complex process of mate choice, the consequences of cuckoldry, endurance rivalry, sexual coercion and infanticides. Part C summarizes the behaviour of 48 non-passerine bird families.

Contents

PART A: COMMUNICATION

1.VISUAL COMMUNICATION
;2.ACOUSTIC COMMUNICATION
PART B: SEXUAL SELECTION

3.CONTEST COMPETITION
4.ENDURANCE RIVALRY

5.MATE CHOICE
6.SPERM COMPETITION
7.SEXUAL COERCION

8.INFANTICIDES

PART C: THE BEHAVIOUR OF NON-PASSERINE BIRD FAMILIES

Divers (Gaviidae)
Grebes (Podicipedidae)
Fulmars and shearwaters (Procellariidae)
Storm-petrels (Hydrobatidae)
Tropicbirds (Phaetontidae)
Pelicans (Pelecanidae)
Gannets and boobies (Sulidae)
Cormorants (Phalacrocoracidae)
Darters (Anhingidae)
Frigatebirds (Fregatidae)
Herons (Ardeidae)
Storks (Ciconiidae)
New World vultures (Cathartidae)
Ibises and spoonbills (Threskiornithidae)
Flamingoes (Phoenicopteridae)
Swans, geese and ducks (Anatidae)
Hawks and allies (Accipitridae)
Falcons and caracaras (Falconidae)
Chachalacas and allies (Cracidae)
Grouse (Tetraoninae)
Pheasants and allies (Phasianidae)
Buttonquails (Turnicidae)
Cranes (Gruidae)
Limpkin (Aramidae)
Rails and allies (Rallidae)
Bustards (Otididae)
Oystercatchers (Haematopodidae)
Avocets and stilts (Recurvirostridae)
Thick-knees (Burhinidae)
Pratincoles and coursers (Glareolidae)
Plovers (Charadriidae)
Sandpipers, snipes and allies (Scolopacidae)
Gulls, terns and allies (Laridae)
Auks (Alcidae)
Sandgrouse (Pteroclidae)
Pigeons and Doves (Columbidae)
Cuckoos (Cuculidae)
Barn Owls (Tytonidae)
Typical Owls (Strigidae)
Nightjars (Caprimulgidae)
Swifts (Apodidae)
Hummingbirds (Trochilidae)
Trogons (Trogonidae)
Kingfishers (Alcedidae)
Bee-eaters (Meropidae)
Rollers (Coraciidae)
Hoopoe (Upupidae)
Woodpeckers (Picidae)

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