The evolutionary, ecological and behavioral questions posed by obligate brood parasites are among the most intriguing of all contemporary ornithological topics. Avian brood parasites lay their eggs in the nests of other birds and may be a major contributing factor driving several species of songbirds to near extinction. As one of the first books to present a comprehensive overview of this fascinating phenomenon, this work discusses the comparative biology and co-evolutionary adaptations exhibited by the five families of birds that engage in such behavior. Several chapters dealing with the comparative biology of both intraspecific and interspecific brood parasites, are followed by individual accounts of all known species--nearly 100 altogether, primarily cowbirds and cuckoos. Some of the more remarkable behavioral and structural adaptations of these birds include egg mimicry, juvenile mimicry, elimination by starvation or actual attack of other nestlings or host eggs, and even the learning and partial mimicry of host song traits. An extended glossary, a list of Latin names, 400 literature citations and range maps of all parasitic species discussed are also included. Detailed line drawings by the author enhance this synthesis of biological and ecological information.

The Avian Brood Parasites: Deception at the Nest

Business & Money

Johnsgard, Paul A.

Economics

Oxford University Press

Among the most important of all bird groups, pheasants account for the most abundant domesticated species (the domestic fowl), the most extensively hunted upland game bird (the common pheasant), and some of the most spectacularly beautiful of all large birds (the giant argus). This lavishly illustrated volume gives up-to-date information on the distribution, status, and biology of all 49 species, with special attention paid to those that are vulnerable, rare, or threatened. Never before published as a set, the 54 full-color plates have been reproduced from early 20th century watercolors of exceptional quality by Henry Jones. This beautiful, informative work will be of interest to ornithologists, ecologists, and amateur bird watchers.

The Pheasants of the World

Science & Math

Biological Sciences

This is the first available reference to describe and document all known species of quails, partridges, and francolins. A companion volume to The Pheasants of the World, this text covers nearly three times as many species, and includes many more color plates, some of which represent species that have never before been illustrated in color in ornithological literature. The text includes comparative chapters on reproductive biology, ecology, population dynamics, ontogenetic development, and behavior, as well as a review of taxonomy and zoogeographic aspects of the groups. Identification keys to genera and species are provided, and criteria for identifying individual species by age and sex are also included. The book is an invaluable resource for ornithologists, ecologists, and anyone interested in these diverse species of game birds.

The Quails, Partridges, and Francolins of the World

Crafts, Hobbies & Home

Pets & Animal Care

The bustards, hemipodes, and sandgrouse represent three taxonomically distinct and diverse families. Most of their members have become adapted to life in deserts, semi-deserts, or steppes of the Old World. This is the first monograph covering any of these groups, and is a companion volume to Paul Johnsgard's The Pheasants of the World and The Quails, Partridges and Francolins of the World. It covers all fifty-one extant species, many of which are rare or endangered, and all but one of them are illustrated by paintings by Major Henry Jones, done from specimens in The Natural History Museum, London. These paintings are owned by the Zoological Society of London and are reproduced with their permission. The lark-quail has been illustrated by a new painting by Mark Marcuson. The text includes comparative chapters on the taxonomy and phylogeny of the three bird groups, their zoogeographic patterns, social behavior, breeding biology, and status (in cases of rare or endangered species). The species accounts include identification criteria, summaries of available biological information, and range descriptions. Keys for the identification of genera and species are also provided, and approximately four hundred literature sources are cited. Collectors of beautiful bird books will want to add this definitive and unique volume to their libraries; it is essential reading for ornithologists, zoologists, naturalists, and anyone concerned with the preservation of this important class of avifauna.

Bustards, Hemipodes, and Sandgrouse: Birds of Dry Places

From DJ flap: Cranes have stalked wetlands for 60 million years. Mankind has been inspired by their primeval calls, elaborate dances, impressive migrations and graceful beauty. This book brings us a comprehensive and current account of crane biology. Sketches, range maps, photographs and text to help improve understanding of these remarkable birds and thereby enhance their chances for survival. (Description by http-mart)

Cranes of the World

Indiana University Press

Dust jacket notes: "This conveniently designed, compact book addresses the needs of waterfowl enthusiasts who want a source of ready identification of all the ducks, geese, and swans that breed in North America as well as some basic biological data not usually found in field guides. Johnsgard discusses the natural history, ecology, social behavior, and reproductive biology of each species and provides up-to-date estimates of current North American populations and trends. Separate complete accounts and range maps for the forty-four species of waterfowl known to breed in the continental United States and Canada are included, as well as identifying information on eight additional species that occasionally reach North American shorelines but are not known to breed here. The book also features an identification key, ninety head profiles, over sixty line drawings, and thirty-one color illustrations. An extended essay on the biology of waterfowl surveys variations in reproductive ecology, pair-forming behavior, flight and diving adaptations, and migratory mechanisms that are exhibited by this fascinating group of birds...."

A Guide to North American Waterfowl

Nature & Ecology

This conveniently designed, compact book addresses the needs of waterfowl enthusiasts who want a source of ready identification of all the ducks, geese, and swans that breed in North America as well as some basic biological data not usually found in field guides. Johnsgard discusses the natural history, ecology, social behavior, and reproductive biology of each species and provides up-to-date estimates of current North American populations and trends. Separate complete accounts and range maps for the forty-four species of waterfowl known to breed in the continental United States and Canada are included, as well as identifying information on eight additional species that occasionally reach North American shorelines but are not known to breed here. The book also features an identification key, ninety head profiles, over sixty line drawings, and thirty-one color illustrations. An extended essay on the biology of waterfowl surveys variations in reproductive ecology, pair-forming behavior, flight and diving adaptations, and migratory mechanisms that are exhibited by this fascinating group of birds.

Guide to North American Waterfowl (Midland Bks: No. 291)

"As I write this, I am sitting in a cabin at Cedar Point Biological Station in southwestern Nebraska.... The glorious elemental mixture of earth, water, and sky around me is the home of nearly three hundred species of birds, and comprises one of my favorite places in the world. Here no radio stations blare out the most recent results of meaningless sports events ... no traffic noises confound the senses. Instead the wind is the unquestioned dominating summer influence. The prairie grasses bend willingly and gracefully before it, and the leaves of the cottonwood trees convert its breezes into soft music." Paul Johnsgard is one of America' most prominent ornithologists and a world authority on waterfowl behavior. In these popularly written, often lyrical essays, he describes some of his most fascinating encounters with birds, from watching the annual mating displays of prairie-chickens on a hilltop in Pawnee County, Nebraska, to attempting to solve some of the mysteries surrounding Australia' nearly flightless musk duck. Reflecting his worldwide interests and travels, the birds Johnsgard describes inhabit many parts of the globe. Grouping the birds by the element they frequent mostearth, water, or skyhe weaves a wealth of accurate natural history into personal stories drawn from a lifetime of avian observation. And, as a bonus, Johnsgard' lovely pen-and-ink drawings illustrate each species he describes.

Earth, Water, and Sky: A Naturalist's Stories and Sketches (Corrie Herring Hooks Series)

University of Texas Press

Describes the anatomy, characteristics, and behavior of these two elusive creatures, traces their relationship with humans, and provides a field identification guide

Dragons and Unicorns: A Natural History

St Martins Pr

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Johnsgard, Paul A.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Johnsgard, Paul A.

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Johnsgard, Paul A.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

The Avian Brood Parasites: Deception at the Nest

The Pheasants of the World

The Quails, Partridges, and Francolins of the World

Bustards, Hemipodes, and Sandgrouse: Birds of Dry Places

Cranes of the World

A Guide to North American Waterfowl

Guide to North American Waterfowl (Midland Bks: No. 291)

Earth, Water, and Sky: A Naturalist's Stories and Sketches (Corrie Herring Hooks Series)

Earth, Water, and Sky: A Naturalist's Stories and Sketches (Corrie Herring Hooks Series)

Dragons and Unicorns: A Natural History