Handbook of the Birds of the World Vol.13: Penduline-tits to Shrikes

Volume 13, Penduline-tits to Shrikes, explores 16 diverse bird families, focusing on climbers, nectar feeders, and shrikes. This volume covers an impressive total of 595 species, with particular emphasis on three of the most numerous families: honeyeaters (175 species), sunbirds (132 species), and white-eyes (98 species). These families represent more than two-thirds of the species covered in the book, with special emphasis on Australasian birds, thanks to the significant representation of the Meliphagidae family (honeyeaters).

The volume also begins the coverage of the shrikes group, providing valuable insights into these fascinating predatory birds. With detailed descriptions of families and species, including distribution maps, illustrations, and photographs, this volume offers a comprehensive resource for those interested in climbing and nectar-feeding birds, as well as the initial study of shrike families.

The preface, written by renowned ornithologist Ian Newton, discusses one of the most captivating phenomena in bird biology: migration. Newton’s expert analysis on the subject gives readers a deeper understanding of the complexities and wonders of bird migration, making this preface an essential read for enthusiasts and researchers in the field.

Highlighted Features

• 16 bird families covered, with detailed information on species, family descriptions, and habitat details
• 60 color plates featuring a variety of species from around the world
• 536 photographs capturing birds in their natural environments
• 611 distribution maps illustrating the global range of each species
• More than 6,000 bibliographic references providing scientific support for the content

Content

• Order Passeriformes
• Family Remizidae: 4 genera, 13 species
• Family Aegithalidae: 3 genera, 13 species
• Family Sittidae: 3 genera, 28 species
• Family Tichodromidae: 1 genus, 1 species
• Family Certhiidae: 2 genera, 11 species
• Family Rhabdornithidae: 1 genus, 4 species
• Family Nectariniidae: 16 genera, 132 species
• Family Melanocharitidae: 3 genera, 10 species
• Family Paramythiidae: 1 genus, 2 species
• Family Dicaeidae: 4 genera, 48 species
• Family Pardalotidae: 1 genus, 4 species
• Family Zosteropidae: 14 genera, 98 species
• Family Promeropidae: 1 genus, 2 species
• Family Meliphagidae: 51 genera, 175 species
• Family Oriolidae: 4 genera, 37 species
• Family Laniidae: 4 genera, 34 species