Fairy-wrens and Grasswrens : Maluridae (Bird Families of the World, number 4)

The brilliant plumage, jaunty gait, and acceptance of man-made suburban gardens as a suitable habitat make fairy-wrens a favorite with anyone lucky enough to see them. They are small--no larger than 40 grams--and feed mainly on the ground or in low vegetation. Fairy-wrens have a fascinating social organization, with groups consisting of long-lasting pairs and their progeny, retained long after independence. This book is the culmination of forty years of field studies by the author. It follows up the work published by Richard Schodde in 1982, while emphasizing more recent interest in cooperative breeding and sexual selection. The first eight chapters look at the family as a whole, describing their taxonomy, evolution, biology, behavior, and conservation. Next are accounts of 25 species, each one giving comprehensive information on the bird in its natural state. Distribution maps, sonograms, and a full glossary are included; all species are illustrated in color in superb plates specially commissioned for this volume. It will be a valuable reference to ornithologists, bird-watchers, and anyone involved in animal behavior.