waterbirds

This booklet summarises what is known about the status of waterbird populations in different parts of the world, shows how numbers and population trends compare from region to region, and how they changed between the 1970s and the 2000s. The principal threats to waterbirds and their habitats around the world are summarised and illustrated with examples.

Although populations in Europe and North America increased over the period, globally 45% of waterbird populations are still in decline. In Asia this rises to 67%.

Waterbirds of Australia showcases over 85 birds that frequent the wetlands, the shores and the coastal waters around the country.

Australia supports a fascinating variety of waterbirds, from the Jabiru (more properly known as the Black-necked Stork) to two native hens.  Amongst the shorebirds are about 30 migratory waders.  There are ibis and spoonbills, extremely secretive and discreetly plumaged crakes and rails, and 23 species of the Ardeidae family of herons, egrets, bitterns and night-herons. All have been captured in their natural environment by nature photographer Don Hadden, following on from his Birds of Australia and Birds of the Outback.

Reaktion Animal Series. This book relates the natural history of the swan including details of extinct species and the differences between the 8 extant species. It also explores the cultural history of the swan. Other titles in this animal series are available.

Those who are unfamiliar with grebes tend to think of them as odd ducks, but their strange behaviours reveal them to be fascinating and intriguing birds. Grebes are unusual and unique in many ways: their habit of feather-eating; their method of sunbathing; their special method of underwater propulsion; the unusual structure of their feet; their courtship behaviour; and their floating nests. As the birds are dependent upon shallow wetlands, they are strongly affected and threatened by our use of their habitats, leading to dwindling populations and even extinction of some species.

In this addition to the Bird Families of the World series Jon Fjeldså, a renowned expert on the grebes, provides an overview of the results of all the research that has been done on grebes. Part I contains a brief presentation of the grebe family, constraints of diving, the relationships between grebes and divers, and the morphology of grebes. Part II covers their biogeography, ecological distribution, feeding ecology, behaviour and communication, breeding biology, environmental threats, and conservation. Part III follows with 22 species accounts, including distribution maps. The plates section contains sixteen stunning paintings showing all the grebe species, by Jon Fjeldså.

The Grebes, like its companion volumes in the series, will be an indispensable work of reference for ornithologists, whether professional or amateur.

Print on demand title. A new volume in the Bird families of the world series. This book is an up to date monograph on the heron family. Both authors are renowned experts in their field and have produced a definitive synthesis of the biology of herons.

Andre Konter is an ornitholoigist who has travelled to 5 continents to observe and photograph all grebe species. This book outlines his observations made during his travels. Also included are line drawings of all species as well as photographs of the 19 of 222 species that still exist.