Handbook of the Birds of the World Vol.14: Bush-shrikes to Old World Sparrows

Volume 14 of the Handbook of the Birds of the World series covers 17 families and 486 species, offering an in-depth look at the avian biodiversity of sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, Australasia, and the Old World. It explores families such as bush-shrikes, helmet-shrikes, and oxpeckers, along with the enigmatic vangas of Madagascar and the dazzling birds-of-paradise of Australasia. The book also highlights species like the Bornean Bristlehead and includes widely distributed families such as crows, starlings, and Old World sparrows.

This volume is visually rich, featuring 51 stunning color plates and 657 photographs that capture the diversity and beauty of these birds in their natural habitats. In addition to the impressive visuals, it includes 485 distribution maps to help locate these species. The book also compiles over 6,000 bibliographic references, making it an essential resource for both professional ornithologists and birdwatching enthusiasts.

The foreword, written by Stephen Moss, offers a fascinating analysis of birdwatching in the past, present, and future, providing a global perspective on the evolution and importance of this activity.

With families ranging from African bush-shrikes to well-known Old World sparrows, this volume is indispensable for those interested in the birds of these regions, whether for their ecological significance, striking appearance, or role in human culture and history.

Highlighted Features

• 60 color plates with detailed illustrations
• 536 photographs depicting species in their natural habitats
• 611 distribution maps for global species localization
• Over 6,000 bibliographic references for in-depth research

Content

• Order Passeriformes
• Family Malaconotidae: 10 genera, 52 species
• Family Prionopidae: 2 genera, 9 species
• Family Vangidae: 21 genera, 39 species
• Family Dicruridae: 1 genus, 29 species
• Family Callaeidae: 3 genera, 3 species
• Family Notiomystidae: 1 genus, 1 species
• Family Grallinidae: 1 genus, 2 species
• Family Struthideidae: 1 genus, 2 species
• Family Artamidae: 2 genera, 24 species
• Family Cracticidae: 3 genera, 12 species
• Family Pityriaseidae: 1 genus, 1 species
• Family Ptilonorhynchidae: 8 genera, 20 species
• Family Paradisaeidae: 15 genera, 44 species
• Family Corvidae: 25 genera, 133 species
• Family Buphagidae: 1 genus, 2 species
• Family Sturnidae: 35 genera, 123 species
• Family Passeridae: 12 genera, 43 species