The essential photographic guide to one of the world’s most dazzling bird families
There are few more spectacular bird families than the kingfishers. Found on every continent except Antarctica, these captivating birds are renowned for their brilliant plumages, exceptional diving abilities, and fascinating behaviors. This photographic guide offers the most comprehensive treatment of kingfishers available. The introductory sections look at the biogeography, taxonomy, and biology of kingfishers, and each in-depth species account comes with superb images and a state-of-the-art range map. Informative and authoritative, Kingfishers of the World is the ultimate guide to a beautiful and diverse group beloved by all birders.
- Covers all 126 species, from the archetypal common kingfisher to the magnificent paradise kingfishers and the peculiar shovel-billed kookaburra
- Features hundreds of high-quality photos illustrating every extant species and most plumages and races
- Species accounts describe key identification features, distribution, vocalizations, habitat, breeding, taxonomy (including subspecific variation), and conservation status
- Draws on the latest available literature, the vast volume of data now accessible on citizen science depositories, and the author’s own observations in the field
- Discusses the important role kingfishers play in world cultures
- Includes an extensive bibliography
