Pros
- coverage for 83 species of ducks, geese, and swans in North America, Europe, and part of Asia (see also the note below)
- comprehensive accounts for each species that are fully referenced with numerous photos highligting key features
- extensive information on molts and plumages
- 72 plates, 920+ paintings, and an addition 650 photos included within the species accounts
Cons
- does not cover all the waterfowl of Asia
- maps do not show the distribution of subspecies
Expert Review:
The Birder’s Library:Waterfowl of North America, Europe, and Asia: An Identification Guide
May 15th, 2016
“Despite a few shortcomings alluded to above, Waterfowl of North America, Europe, and Asia: An Identification Guide is an unrivalled, must-have reference for any birder with an interest in the ducks, geese, and swans of the Holarctic. It is a meticulously detailed book for serious birders. Bringing together just about everything you’d need to know in order to identify the waterfowl of the Holarctic, this monograph will surely be the standard reference for its subject for a long time to come.”
Publisher’s Description:
This is the ultimate guide for anyone who wants to identify the ducks, geese, and swans of North America, Europe, and Asia. With 72 stunning color plates (that include more than 920 drawings), over 650 superb photos, and in-depth descriptions, this book brings together the most current information on 84 species of Eurasian and North American waterfowl, and on more than 100 hybrids. The guide delves into taxonomy, identification features, determination of age and sex, geographic variations, measurements, voice, molt, and hybridization. In addition, the status of each species is treated with up-to-date details on distribution, population size, habitats, and life cycle. Color plates and photos are accompanied by informative captions and 85 distribution maps are also provided. Taken together, this is an unrivaled, must-have reference for any birder with an interest in the world’s waterfowl.
- A guide to the 84 species of ducks, geese, and swans of Europe, Asia, and North America
- 72 color plates with more than 920 illustrations of most plumages and subspecies, both in flight and standing
- More than 650 color photos
- Details on taxonomy, identification features, determination of age and sex, geographic variations, measurements, voice, molt, hybridization, habitat and life cycle, range and populations, and status in captivity
- 85 distribution maps
- Descriptions and illustrations of more than 100 hybrids regularly encountered in the wild