Woodpeckers of the World: A Photographic Guide

The definitive guide to all 239 species of woodpecker.

This book follows closely the successful field guide format of Owls of the World, published by Firefly Books Ltd. and praised by Science Books and Film (among others) in a starred review:

"The highlights of Owls of the World are the stunning photographs used to illustrate each species as well as the introductory section... a valued addition as a reference for bird enthusiasts and libraries."

Booklist praised Owls of the World for its "good value and quality for the price," and Choice remarked that it "should become a standard reference" on the species.

Woodpeckers of the World is the first definitive guide to all 239 species of woodpecker. Beautiful color photographs of male, female and juvenile woodpeckers taken in their natural habitat reveal the birds' coloring, markings, and sexual dimorphism.

Detailed text looks at general woodpecker biology, followed by 239 detailed species accounts. Identification notes are followed by brief entries on food, voice, drumming, habitat, status, distribution, geographic variation and confusion species. Each entry features at least two, usually three, high-quality photographs showing an adult male, an adult female and a juvenile. In all, more than 700 carefully selected images highlight identification criteria. Each species entry also contains an accurate range map.

Woodpeckers, an order that includes some of the oldest avian lineages, are one of the most popular families of birds, and they are certainly one of the more unusual. Their ability to excavate holes in wood is legendary. The family ranges from the tiny piculets of tropical forests to the mighty Imperial Woodpecker of Mexico, sadly now extinct. In between, there is a considerable variety of species inhabiting forests and woodlands on all continents except Australasia and Antarctica.

Woodpeckers of the World is an informative, fact-filled and beautifully illustrated guide to a group beloved by all birders.