Handbook of the Birds of the World Vol.6: Mousebirds to Hornbills

Volume 6, Mousebirds to Hornbills, covers 12 families of birds, taking readers from the unique mousebirds of sub-Saharan Africa, to the colorful trogons of tropical forests, to the majestic hornbills of the Old World. It includes bird families with highly specialized adaptations and behaviors, making this volume essential for anyone with a passion for ornithology and bird conservation.

The volume begins with a thought-provoking foreword on avian bioacoustics by Luis Baptista and Don Kroodsma, who explore the intricate world of bird vocalizations and how sound plays a crucial role in bird life and identification.

Among the highlights of this volume are species such as the vibrant Quetzal, the iconic Hoopoe, and the impressive Rhinoceros Hornbill. The volume also features fascinating imagery, such as sequences of photographs of Kingfishers hunting underwater and Southern Ground-hornbills foraging on land.

This volume pays particular attention to the conservation status of many species, especially restricted-range species and those found in Endemic Bird Areas (EBAs), emphasising the critical need for preservation. With meticulously researched text, exquisite artwork, and insightful photography, Volume 6 is a testament to the diverse and often endangered avifauna of the world.

Highlighted Features

• 45 colour plates and 385 photographs.
• 270 distribution maps.
• 6,000 bibliographical references.
• In-depth exploration of bioacoustics and conservation.

Content

• ORDER COLIIFORMES
• Family Coliidae: Mousebirds - 6 species
• ORDER TROGONIFORMES
• Family Trogonidae: Trogons - 39 species
• ORDER CORACIIFORMES
• Family Alcedinidae: Kingfishers - 92 species
• Family Todidae: Todies - 5 species
• Family Momotidae: Motmots - 14 species
• Family Meropidae: Bee-eaters - 27 species
• Family Coraciidae: Rollers - 12 species
• Family Brachypteraciidae: Ground-rollers - 5 species
• Family Leptosomidae: Cuckoo-rollers - 1 species
• Family Upupidae: Hoopoes - 4 species
• Family Phoeniculidae: Wood-hoopoes - 2 species
• Family Bucerotidae: Hornbills - 59 species