Toucans, barbets and honeyguides

"The exotic and vibrant natures of toucans, barbets and honeyguides are brought to life in this stunning new volume from the Bird Families of the World series. Unique characteristics of each of the 133 species are emphasized: from the feeding habits of the Choco and Yellow-throated toucans to the plumage of the Spot-breasted and Fiery-billed aracaris." "Presenting the volume in two parts, the authors first seek to encourage a wider appreciation for these birds and their habitats, combining description and analysis of their life cycles with beautiful and detailed illustrations. Courting habits, feeding habits, habitats, social systems, dispersal, breeding and diet are all covered here and the need to protect these birds is an ever-present theme." "The second section contains detailed information on the 82 species of barbet, 34 of toucan and 17 of honeyguide. Their individual quirks and merits are identified and their physical attributes and differences are explained.^ There are clear and detailed maps to show the locations where each bird can be found; as well as important information concerning the predators and threats that these areas pose." "This title is beautifully illustrated with full colour paintings of all of the species and for many of the subspecies and hybrids. The highly regarded American artist Albert Earl Gilbert painted 36 illustrations especially for this book. They clearly show the resplendent beauty and individuality of each type of bird." "Toucans, Barbets and Honeyguides is the culmination of over 25 years of research spanning six continents by authors who have unequalled knowledge and expertise in this field. It contains a considerable amount of previously unpublished work providing a comprehensive picture of the individual and collective beauty of toucans, barbets and honeyguides and the challenges they, and conservationists alike, face.^ It is very reader-friendly, as accessible to bird and wildlife lovers as to professional ornithologists and conservationists."--Jacket.