Parrots of the World

By Joseph M. Forshaw

Book Overview

One of the most important ornithological books of the last century. Fabulous color plates illustrate this parrot fancier's bible. The third edition of Parrots of the World is the only book in which all species of parrots are described and illustrated. Fully revised and updated, it remains the definitive reference on this important group of birds. This edition adopts a new scientific classification, and incorporates all the most recent advances in ornithological knowledge. For example, field-workers have provided exciting new information on previously little-known species ot the Amazon River rainforests. A new species of parrot has been discovered and there is the possibility of a second new species, and full details are given in this revised text. Parrots of the World was conceived to meet the needs of ornithologists, institutions, aviculturists and naturalists generally. Its appeal is basically scientific, although this does not prevetn it from being the bible of parrot-fanciers throughout the world. . Every species and subspecies, including those now extinct and those newly discovered, is described. Standard taxonomic measurements taken from museum specimens are listed as part of these descriptions. The latest information on distribution, status, habitats,general habits, movements, feeding, call-notes and nesting habits, including measurements of eggs, is given. There is a distribution map for each species. All species and some of the more divergent subspecies -- a total of almost 500 birds --- are magnificently illustrated in color by William Cooper, who ranks among the world's leading bird painters. Each illustration is of a particular specimen and registration numbers for all specimens are included in the captions to the plates. Particular attention has been paid to the background so that this is indicative of the typical habitat in which the depicted species occurs. In this third edition, new plates depict what are now known to be differences between plumage of young and old birds, various color phases of birds and new groupings. This is an exciting and valuable feature of the book. Parrots of the World has been acclaimed as one of the most important ornithological books of the last century, rivalling the great illustrated monographs by Gould and his contemporaries. The publication of the first edition in 1973 was a significant event, for no authoritative book on th Order of Psittaciformes -- the parrots -- had been produced since Die Papageien by O. Finsch (1867-68). This third edition replaces previous editions and confirms the book's status as an invaluable scientific and artistic work.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0701828005
• ISBN13: 9780701828004
• Release Date: January 1
• Publisher: Hancock House Publishers
• Length: 672 Pages
• Weight: 6.48 lbs.
• Dimensions: 11.8" x 2.0" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

The quintessential parrot reference

It's unfortunate that this book is out of print, as it's a parrot fanatic's ultimate reference to parrots in the wild. Beautifully illustrated with full-color plates, it covers every known species of parrot, and some that are sadly extinct since its printing. It provides information on all aspects of psittacines in the wild as far as they are known, from size to range to breeding habits to habitat, but it's really the illustrations that make this book so valuable. If you're at all interested in wild parrots, this book is among the best.

Parrots of the World,Raptors of the World,Sibleys guide of B

It's the most complet guide of parrots and raptors publicated in the world.

A reference book for school and for fun.

This has been a great book for reference. It is very organized. I wrote a report about a Scarlet Macaw and it was a big help. I hope bird-lovers everywhere read this book!

This is a great reference for parrot lovers of all ages.

My mother bought me this book for my tenth birthday and my appreciation of it has grown each year as I am now twenty. As a child I enjoyed it's fantastic illustrations and as an adult I've used it as a reference in my college research papers. I recomend it highly to anyone of any age with a love for parrots.