Handbook of the Birds of the World Vol. 9: Cotingas to Pipits and Wagtails

Volume 9 covers nine families of Passeriformes, including the last suboscines and the first oscines. This work explores a wide diversity of species from the Neotropics and Australasia, as well as introducing globally known species such as larks, swallows, and pipits.

This volume is significant for both ornithologists and bird enthusiasts, as it includes the largest avian family in the series—Tyrannidae (tyrant flycatchers), with 429 species. The content highlights species from various continents, from the familiar barn swallow of North America and the Eurasian skylark to the endangered noisy scrub-bird of Australia and the rare Liben lark of Ethiopia.

The Australian families—New Zealand wrens, scrub-birds, and lyrebirds—are also included, often considered "transitional" between suboscines and oscines, offering a fascinating insight into evolutionary diversity.

The preface, written by Richard C. Banks, delves into the complexities of ornithological nomenclature, providing a historical perspective and practical insights into naming conventions in bird taxonomy.

This volume presents a wealth of new information on both familiar and lesser-known species, with an emphasis on the conservation status of threatened birds. Readers will find extensive coverage of a variety of birds, from the vibrant manakins and cotingas of the Neotropics to the globally recognized swallows and martins. The meticulous work of renowned ornithologists and photographers is reflected in the high-quality illustrations and photographs, many of which depict species rarely captured on camera.

Key Features

• Preface by Richard C. Banks on the history and application of ornithological nomenclature
• 78 color plates and 440 photographs
• 809 distribution maps
• Approximately 6,000 bibliographic references

Content

• Order Passeriformes
• Family Cotingidae: 24 genera, 65 species
• Family Pipridae: 15 genera, 54 species
• Family Tyrannidae: 104 genera, 429 species
• Family Acanthisittidae: 2 genera, 4 species
• Family Atrichornithidae: 1 genus, 2 species
• Family Menuridae: 1 genus, 2 species
• Family Alaudidae: 21 genera, 97 species
• Family Hirundinidae: 19 genera, 88 species
• Family Motacillidae: 6 genera, 67 species