Popis knihy

Wildfowl of Europe, Asia and North America is a comprehensive reference summarising current knowledge on the identification of the different species and subspecies of ducks, geese and swans in Europe, Asia and North America - in essence the Holarctic zoo geographical region. The detailed species accounts cover taxonomy,specific and subspecific identification features, determination of age and sex, geographic variation, measurements, voice, moult and hybridisation. In addition, the current status of each species is treated with up-to-date information on distribution, population size, habitat and life-cycle. The text is complemented by 650 colour photos, almost all taken in the wild, and 72 colour plates painted by the author and featuring over 920 individual art works.Together, these represent most of the plumages of each of the 84 species treated in this book, as well as more than 100 hybrids that are observed more or less regularly in the wild. The photos are provided with captions that focus on the most important features, and the plates are accompanied by succinct caption text and distribution maps. This new identification guide provides an unrivalled level of detail and a wealth of information and illustrations. It will be an essential reference for any one interested in the ducks, geese and swans of Eurasia and North America.