The Handbook of the Birds of the World, Special Volume and Global Index, concludes the series by presenting 84 newly described bird species, with full species accounts, illustrations, and maps, and original scientific descriptions of 15 Amazonian species. It also features a Global Index to the entire series and essays on avian classification and the discovery of new species.
This Special Volume serves as the fitting conclusion to this groundbreaking 16-volume series, covering every known bird species in the world. This volume not only presents a global index to the series, but also introduces and illustrates 84 bird species described as new to science since their respective families were covered in earlier volumes.
CONTENTS
Introduction
Foreword by BirdLife International
90 years and growing: how BirdLife went from a council of experts to everybody’s global partnership.
An informative chapter on the history and other important aspects of the BirdLife International organization, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the BirdLife Partnership and the 90th anniversary of its predecessor, the International Council for Bird Preservation.
An essay by Jon Fjeldså: Avian Classification in Flux
A comprehensive introduction to the changes in avian macrosystematics over the last 20 years or so. Many relationships have been significantly revised, most often on the basis of results provided by improved molecular techniques. These are particularly useful and informative at higher taxonomic levels.
A second essay by Jon Fjeldså: The Discovery of New Bird Species
A fascinating essay about the continuing discovery in recent years of species new to science. It analyses in depth the how, why and where of many of these discoveries, as well as providing a useful overview.
Species Accounts of New Species
Each of the 69 new species has a species account, illustration and map, just as in the main HBW series.
Original Scientific Descriptions
The original scientific descriptions of 15 Amazonian species appear in print here for the very first time. Each description is accompanied by the requisite illustrations, map and assorted figures. This highlights the massive importance of the Amazon rainforest for global biodiversity, and how much remains to be discovered.
HBW Photo Gallery
A collection of 200 stunning bird photos selected from the images presented in the HBW World Bird Photo Contest 2012, in homage to the wonderful birds of the world, to dedicated and inspiring nature photographers, and to our loyal supporters, the HBW subscribers!
Global Index
Global index to the entire series to enable readers rapidly to find what they are looking for locating specific species, taxa, and their accounts across the more than 12,500 pages in the 16 HBW Volumes. The index can be searched by scientific name, or by common names in English, French, German and Spanish.
Key Features:
- Foreword: 90 Years and Growing: The Evolution of BirdLife International by BirdLife International.
- Essays: Avian Classification in Flux and The Discovery of New Bird Species by Jon Fjeldså.
- 84 new species, with illustrations, distribution maps, and the original scientific descriptions of 15 Amazonian species.
- 214 bird illustrations.
- 50 figures.
- 319 colour photographs.
- 94 distribution maps.
This volume not only completes the series but also ensures it remains a valuable and up-to-date reference for ornithologists, birdwatchers, and conservationists. The inclusion of newly described species, along with a comprehensive global index, makes this a unique and essential addition to the Handbook of the Birds of the World.
