Boka omfatter de opprinnelige kunstverk fra HBW serien, så vel som flere hundre nye illustrasjoner, alt i to kompakte volum.
Taxonomic Results
In this Checklist, a modern, broad version of the Biological Species Concept (BSC) has been applied, with the aid of the scoring system to evaluate differences in morphology, vocalizations, ecology and geographical relationships published in Ibis by Tobias et al. (2010)*. For the non-passerines, this has resulted in relatively few lumps (21) but a much higher number of splits, 461 in total at the time of writing, compared with the taxonomy presented in the HBW series. Groups with major changes in species numbers include:
* J.A. Tobias, N. Seddon, C.N. Spottiswoode, J.D. Pilgrim, L.D.C. Fishpool & N.J. Collar (2010). Quantitative criteria for species delimitation. Ibis. 152: 724–746.
Samples
Introduction
An extensive introduction, with many illustrated examples, explains the rationale and advantages of the taxonomic system adopted in the Checklist, as well as how to use the book.
Species Samples
 | 1 Newly revised BirdLife International and NatureServe distribution maps for all species, with country borders included. |
 | 2 Colour illustrations for all species, including distinctive subspecies and morphs, from the HBW series with numerous corrections and new figures. |
 | 3 Plate layout subtly divided by species and genera for a clearer arrangement. |
 | 4 Revised species names in French, German and Spanish, and other common names in English when appropriate. |
 | 5 Colour-coded subspecies groups marked to highlight distinct forms and their relationships. |
 | 6 Completely updated at the macrosystematic, genus, species and subspecies levels. |
 | 7 Each species conveniently cross-referenced to the volume and page of its treatment in the HBW series. |
 | 8 Detailed descriptions of ranges for all species and subspecies. |
 | 9 Changes and other relevant issues fully explained under Taxonomic notes of each species. |
 | 10 Current official IUCN category of each species from the 2014 BirdLife International/IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. |
 | 11 Reference numbers included in text associated with complete bibliographical list at the end of the volume. |
Extinct species
Two appendices cover all the species considered to have become extinct since 1500. The first gives full treatment, including text, illustration and former range map, for the extinct species known from complete specimens. The second provides information for the extinct species not known from complete specimens.
Maps
Large-format maps offer the reader assistance in interpreting the distribution sections. They provide both administrative and physical details, for greater clarity of use.
