Shorebirds : an identification guide to the waders of the world /

The well-qualified authors have produced a unique book that covers and illustrates all of the shorebirds of the world. A front segment, titled ``How to Identify Waders,'' is outstanding. A main feature is the section of plates in which each species is illustrated (often in a number of poses, usually in adult stage{{s}} and the juvenile stage); a good range map also is provided with descriptions. These illustrations are good-to-outstanding and should be extremely useful in field identification. The text portion includes a detailed identification segment; voice; habits; movements; descriptions; age/sex ``differences''; race (where pertinent); measurements; and references. There are cross-references to plate and text, making it easy to go back and forth. There is a brief general bibliography and a relatively good specific bibliography. An index to vernacular and specific names appears to be complete. The book can serve as a field guide for the beginning and intermediate student; it will be a great supplement to the standard bird guide for an area, certainly more than a field guide. Strongly recommended to colleges where ornithology is taught and also to public libraries supporting active bird clubs.-K.L. Williams, Northwestern State University of Louisiana