Synopses & Reviews
The
Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand is astonishingly comprehensive, covering the identification, status, and distribution of wild birds seen anywhere in the New Zealand region. Up to date and featuring the latest research, this handy volume represents every bird species of New Zealand in seventy-four stunning, original, color paintings by a leading New Zealand bird artist, including rare and recently extinct species.
Renowned New Zealand bird experts Barrie Heather and Hugh Robertson have written a brief and informative identification guide which provides the reader with a summary of what is known about the birds of New Zealand. Each page contains a color plate and accompanying distribution map on the facing page. The maps provide sufficient plumage and behavioral details that should help identify the species, sex and/or age of the bird in the field as well as where species breeding in New Zealand may be found in suitable habitat. An additional handbook section provides details on distribution, populations, conservation, breeding, behavior, and feeding habitats of each species. Maps for vagrants, stragglers, and non-native seabirds, and for migratory waders (which can turn up in any estuary around the coast) are also included in this section.
The only field guide to New Zealand birds officially endorsed by the Ornithological Society of New Zealand, the Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand is a wonderful addition to the libraries of birders, nature enthusiasts, and travelers alike.
About the Author
About the Authors: Dr. Barrie Heather is a renowned New Zealand bird expert. Dr. Hugh Robertson is at the Department of Conservation in Wellington, New Zealand. Derek Onley is a leading New Zealand bird artist.
Table of Contents
Introduction
IDENTIFICATION GUIDE
Plates, facing text and maps
HANDBOOK
Kiwi: Apterygidae
Grebes: Podicipedidae
Albatrosses: Diomedeidae
Shearwaters, Fulmers, Prions and Petrels: Procellariidae
Storm Petrels: Oceanitidae
Penguins: Spheniscidae
Tropicbirds: Phaethontidae
Pelicans: Pelecanidae
Gannets and Boobies: Sulidae
Shags: Phalacrocoracidae
Darters: Anhingidae
Frigatebirds: Fregatidae
Herons, Egrets and Bitterns: Ardeidae
Ibises and Spoonbills: Threskiornithidae
Waterfowl: Anatidae
Raptors: Accipitridae and Falconidae
Gamebirds: Phasianidae
Rails, Gallinules and Coots: Rallidae
Cranes: Gruidae
Painted Snupe: Rostratulidae
Oystercatchers: Haematopodidae
Stilts and Avocets: Recurvirostridae
Pratincoles and Coursers: Glareolidae
Plovers, Dotterels and Lapwigs: Charadriidae
Snipe, Sandpipers, Godwits and Curlews: Scolopacidae
Phalaropes: Phalaropodidae
Skuas: Stercorariidae
Gulls, Terns and Noddies: Laridae
Pigeons and Doves: Columbidae
Cockatoos and Parrots: Cacatuidae and Psittacidae
Cuckoos: Cuculidae
Typical Owls: Strigidae
Barn Owls: Tytonidae
Swifts: Apodidae
Kingfishers: Alcedinidae
Rollers: Coraciidae
New Zealans Wrens: Acanthisittidae
Larks: Alaudidae
Swallows and Martins: Hirundinidae
Pipits: Motacillidae
Cuckoo-shrikes and Trillers: Campephagidae
Bulbuls: Pycnonotidae
Accentors: Prunellidae
Thrushes: Muscicapidae
Old World Warblers: Sylviidae
Whistlers and allies: Pachycephalidae
Australasian Warblers: Acanthizidae
Monarch Flycatchers: Monarchidae
Australasian Robins: Eopsaltriidae
White-eyes: Zosteropidae
Honeyeaters: Meliphagidae
Buntings, Cardinals and Tanagers: Emberizidae
Finches: Fringillidae
Sparrows and Weavers: Ploceidae
Starlings and Mynas: Sturnidae
Wattlebirds: Callaeidae
Woodswallows: Artamidae
Bell Magpies: Cracticidae
Birds-of-Paradise, Bowerbirds and Piopio: Paradisaeidae
Crows and Jays: Corvidae