Handbook of the Birds of the World Vol.12: Picathartes to Tits and Chickadees

Volume 12, Picathartes to Tits and Chickadees, continues the comprehensive coverage of bird families in the HBW series, focusing on 15 families of passerines primarily from Africa, Asia, and Australasia, with some representation from North America. The volume begins with the enigmatic Picathartes of tropical Africa and covers a wide variety of species, including the diverse group of babblers (309 species) and the tiny parrotbills of Eurasia. The exploration continues with the logrunners, whistlers, fairy-wrens, thornbills, and treecreepers of the Australasian region, highlighting the ecological diversity of the area.

The journey through the avifauna concludes with the Tits and Chickadees (Paridae) family, which includes some of the most familiar and well-researched birds, such as the Great Tit. The birds presented in this volume inhabit a wide range of environments, from tropical forests to arid zones and open plains, offering a fascinating glimpse into the adaptability of bird species in different habitats.

In the preface to this volume, Kevin Caley presents an engaging discussion on fossil birds, revealing that there are fossil records of approximately 2,000 extinct bird species out of an estimated 1.6 million species that have existed during the 150 million years of bird history. Caley's contribution provides an insightful and thought-provoking view of the long and complex history of birds on Earth, supported by his original illustrations.

This volume is a valuable resource for ornithologists, birdwatchers, and enthusiasts interested in the wide diversity of species in the African, Asian, and Australasian regions. The extensive use of illustrations, distribution maps, and photographs makes it an essential tool for those studying or observing bird species worldwide.

Highlighted Features

• Preface by Kevin Caley on the evolution of fossil birds and their historical significance
• 15 bird families covered, from Picathartes to Tits and Chickadees, with detailed descriptions of species and families
• 56 color plates and 436 photographs showcasing the beauty and diversity of species in different regions
• 638 distribution maps illustrating the global range of species covered in the volume
• Approximately 4,000 bibliographic references supporting the scientific depth of the content

Content

• Order Passeriformes
• Family Picathartidae: 1 genus, 2 species
• Family Timaliidae: 55 genera, 309 species
• Family Paradoxornithidae: 7 genera, 37 species
• Family Pomatostomidae: 1 genus, 4 species
• Family Orthonychidae: 1 genus, 3 species
• Family Eupetidae: 2 genera, 3 species
• Family Pachycephalidae: 7 genera, 58 species
• Family Petroicidae: 13 genera, 46 species
• Family Maluridae: 6 genera, 29 species
• Family Dasyornithidae: 1 genus, 3 species
• Family Acanthizidae: 14 genera, 64 species
• Family Epthianuridae: 2 genera, 8 species
• Family Neosittidae: 1 genus, 3 species
• Family Climacteridae: 2 genera, 7 species
• Family Paridae: 14 genera, 58 species