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Description: |
406 pages : illustrations (some color), maps ; 25 cm |
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Bibliography Note: |
Includes bibliographical references (pages 394-399) and index. |
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Summary, Etc. Note: |
Summary: "Woodpeckers are unique within the bird world. Their form and [structure], reproduction and behavior set them apart from all others, and their ability not only to dig insects and their grubs out of holes but to excavate their own nest holes in trees gives them a distinct advantage over other birds. Woodpeckers inhabit most parts of the world, except for the Australasian region, the Antarctic, and the treeless parts of the Arctic. They are found in woodland and forest and also in desert areas, grasslands, and even on rocky mountain slopes. Woodpeckers are best known for their drumming (though not all species drum) and for their often striking colors. Their plumages show contrasting black and white, green, brilliant yellow, bright red and rich brown, as well as an amazing variety of patterns. In this book, all 214 species of woodpeckers, including the little-known and enigmatic tiny piculets, mainly of South America, are described and illustrated, and information is given on their distributions, habitats, and habits. Many of the subspecies depicted by Dave Nurney in his 64 magnificent color plates have never before been illustrated. Dr. Hans Winkler and David Christie have between them observed and studied a large percentage of the world's woodpeckers in the field, resulting in a definitive and authoritative text. Several species, however, because of their secretive habits and sometimes inaccessible habitats, are very poorly known. This beautiful book, destined to become the standard reference, should encourage and stimulate further study of this most intriguing family of birds." -- Book jacket. |
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Additional Physical Forms: |
Online version: Winkler, Hans, 1945- Woodpeckers. Boston : Houghton Mifflin, 1995 (OCoLC)643734133 |
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Name Added Entry: |
Christie, David A., author. |