Collins Birds of the World

Description

For the first time, the complete collection of the Collins Field Guides' incredibly detailed, accurate and beautiful bird paintings has been brought together in one comprehensive volume. This all-encompassing new guide is an extraordinary addition to the world-renowned series - the ultimate reference book for birdwatchers and bird lovers. It covers every species of the world's birds - all 10,711 species are featured covering the complete International Ornithological Union Checklist of Birds of the World. With a total of 301 full-colour plates this is a visual feast, as well as an authoritative resource. It illustrates all male breeding plumages, and females if significantly different, for every species, alongside concise text covering defining identification characteristics, distribution and voice. Illustrated by the world's leading bird artists: Norman Arlott, Ber van Perlo, Gustavo Carrizo, Aldo A. Chiappe, Luis Huber and Jorge R. Rodriguez Mata.

Norman Arlott is one of the world's leading bird artists. He has illustrated many bird guides, and more than 100 books in total. He has designed special bird stamp issues for countries including Jamaica, Bahamas, Seychelles, British Virgin Islands, The Gambia, Malawi and Christmas Island. He has also led ornithology tours to East Africa.

'A superb piece of work, packaged and produced with typically lofty Collins standards. It really does look the part, having been so thoughtfully put together, and it oozes authority and class. It is a hugely impressive book ... The plates are a joy to behold. Little space is spared, with each packed to the rafters with depictions of every species covered - in many cases twice, where sexes differ sufficiently to merit recognition. They feel busy yet not chaotic; each has been carefully constructed so as not to inhibit identification of the species shown, nor detract from their overall impact ' Josh Jones, Bird Guides 'This is an amazing book ... the images are amazing and contain a wealth of detail' Bird Watching magazine Praise for Norman Arlott '[Arlott's paintings] are not only accurate (which is the most important thing), but I find them very attractive as well. . . . I would highly recommend' Grant McCreary, Birder's Library 'A real treasure. . . . Simple and simply beautiful.' Robert Mortenson, Idaho Birding blog 'A must for the travelling birder.' BBC Wildlife