Handbook of the Birds of the WorldVolume 8: Broadbills to Tapaculos

Description

Volume 8, Broadbills to Tapaculos, marks the beginning of the passerine volumes, covering the first nine families of the order Passeriformes. This volume presents an in-depth exploration of forest birds from Africa, Southeast Asia, and Oceania, such as broadbills, asities, and pittas. However, the greater part of the volume is dedicated to the avian diversity of the Neotropics, detailing 623 species across six families, including ovenbirds, woodcreepers, antbirds, gnateaters, and tapaculos.

The volume is especially useful for ornithologists and bird enthusiasts interested in tropical birdlife, showcasing the striking diversity of the species covered. The ovenbirds, with 236 species, are found in a variety of environments ranging from the high Andes to the Amazon rainforest and even desert regions. Readers will also discover fascinating aspects of bird behavior, such as the intricate nest-building of ovenbirds, the morphological diversity of woodcreeper bills, and the army-ant-following habits of antbirds. The tapaculos, whose name derives from their elusive behavior, are also explored in detail.

The foreword, written by Murray Bruce, delves into the history of bird classification, offering readers insights into how the study of avian taxonomy has evolved over the years. The species accounts cover a wealth of detailed information, including descriptions of morphology, behavior, habitat, feeding habits, breeding, and conservation status. A strong conservation focus is maintained throughout, particularly with reference to the species of restricted range in tropical areas.

The photography in this volume stands out for its quality and rarity, with many images capturing species that are seldom photographed. A new system of highlighting species names in bold has been introduced in the photo captions, making identification easier for readers.

This volume also incorporates improvements in the presentation of maps, now featuring major rivers for added clarity, particularly in large continental interiors. The work also addresses the taxonomic complexity of certain species, with a focus on subspecific variations and detailed discussions in the Taxonomy sections.

Key Features:

• Foreword on bird classification by Murray Bruce.
• Comprehensive coverage of tropical birds, especially Ovenbirds, Woodcreepers, and Antbirds.
• 81 colour plates and 477 photographs.
• 681 distribution maps.
• Approximately 4,000 bibliographical references.

This volume is an indispensable resource for those interested in tropical bird species, their behavior, and conservation, as well as for researchers exploring the taxonomy of passerines.

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