New and Recent Titles

1) Anderson, Bertin W. Evolution and Taxonomy of White-cheeked Geese. 2010. Avvar Books. Paperback: 495 pages. Price: $25.00 U.S.( plus $5.00 shipping and handling).
SUMMARY: This book follows up on two books by the late Harold C. Hanson on the taxonomy and evolution of "white-cheeked geese". In this book the author recognizes 15 species vs. 6 in the Hanson volumes and 2 in the A.O.U. Checklist.
RECOMMENDATION: Most of the book is for those with a technical interest in the taxonomy of the "white-cheeked geese." Birders might find chapter 16: guide to identification with its 24 color photo plates useful. This book is available from this link: http://www.avvar.com/evoltaxwcg.php





2) Ferguson-Lees, James and David A. Christie. Raptors of the World. 2006. Princeton University Press. Paperback: 320 pages. Price: $32.95 U.S.
SUMMARY: Based on essential sections of the widely acclaimed handbook Raptors of the World by the same authors, but with updated text, maps, and plates, it shows every species in a selection of different plumages, with concise facing texts and distribution maps.
      It provides an easy-to-use and portable reference to one of the world's largest, most popular, and most challenging avian groups.

-A unique identification guide to all the world's raptors
-118 color plates show 338 species in flight and perched
-Facing text summarizes size, confusion species, habitat, and behavioral and plumage differences
-Color distribution maps included for every species
-Ideal for use in the field, anywhere in the world

RECOMMENDATION: Birders will find this book useful and easier to carry into the field than the original large volume from 2001!




3) Shirihai, Hadoram and Brett Jarrett. Whales, Dolphins, and Other Marine Mammals of the World. 2006. Princeton University Press. Paperback: 384 pages. Price: 24.95 U.S.
SUMMARY: This breathtakingly beautiful book brings readers nose-to-nose with all of the world's marine mammals-a comprehensive line-up of remarkable whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, walruses, otters, polar bears, dugongs, and manatees.
      A highly practical field guide, it combines state-of-the-art illustrations with superb color photographs and detailed maps. The book highlights key field marks and clearly summarizes the types of behaviors that marine-mammal watchers may observe.
     Where other guides settle for static or wooden images and descriptions, this one comes to life with the kind of detailed text and stunning photos that make for a go-to reference guide. Armed with this book, any observer anywhere in the world should be able to identify the marine mammals they encounter.

-A go-to field guide to all of the world's marine mammals
-Contains key field marks and summaries of behavior
-Over 450 stunning color photos
-124 color maps
-Over 500 beautiful new illustrations
-An exquisite blend of text, illustrations, and photos, harmonized for practical field usage
-Suitable for both amateurs and seasoned professionals

RECOMMENDATION: Probably the best guide to marine mammals currently available!