Woodpeckers of North America - Softcover

Backhouse, Frances

Softcover

ISBN 10: 155407505X ISBN 13: 9781554075058

Publisher: Firefly Books, 2009

Synopsis

"Superb photographs and drawings." -- Choice

"Highly recommended." -- Library Journal

The distinctive pok pok pok sound of a woodpecker makes them easy to hear and identify, and watching one at work is fascinating. While all species share certain anatomical features, including a long, straight bill designed for drilling wood, woodpeckers' biology, behavior and habitats can vary widely.

Woodpeckers of North America is a comprehensive, profusely illustrated natural history reference to all 28 species of woodpecker found in the United States, Canada and northern Mexico. The book describes in detail the lives and attributes of each species, examining anatomy, communication, feeding and nesting habits, reproduction, mortality and their relationship with other woodpecker species and with humans.

Identifying traits are covered in 28 profiles that describe:

• Behavior
• Habitat
• Voice
• Drumming and tapping
• Feeding
• Breeding
• Migration and conservation
• Range, including a color map.

The book features 100 close-up color photographs that capture these intriguing birds in their natural environments. Detailed line drawings highlight interesting aspects of anatomy and behavior.

Birders, naturalists and general readers will find this book is an authoritative reference that is a pleasure to read.

About this title

From the Author:

Northern flickers and downy woodpeckers are regular visitors to my urban yard, yet every time I hear their distinctive calls or their rhythmic tapping high in the old poplar that towers over my garden I feel compelled to suspend whatever I'm doing and look for the perpetrator. If I'm out hiking, these sounds or the sight of a woodpecker invariably stops me in my tracks as I reach for my binoculars.

Researching and writing Woodpeckers of North America has allowed me to indulge my passion for these remarkable birds, delving into more than a century's worth of scientific literature and naturalists' records. It is my pleasure to offer this wealth of information and anecdote to others who share my interest in and curiosity about woodpeckers.

Whether you read my book from cover to cover, browse through chapters randomly or consult the species profiles to find out about particular woodpeckers, I hope it will enhance your understanding of these birds and your appreciation of the role they play in the ecosystem.

About the Author:

Frances Backhouse is a writer for Audubon, Equinox, Canadian Geographic, New Scientist and Canadian Wildlife.

About this edition

• Publisher: Firefly Books
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 155407505X
• ISBN 13: 9781554075058
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 232