Per Alstrom

Basics: 2003, hardcover, 496 pages, 30 color plates, 260+ color photos, many detailed b&w drawings, 27 species, range maps

With difficulty, I’ll try to not excessively praise or extol the qualities of this book. Succinctly, this book is a benchmark for identification guides covering a family of birds. Each bird is thoroughly described in its own species account (i.e., chapter) that ranges from 3-16 pages. Two other birds, the Yellow Wagtail and the White Wagtail, receive 46 and 49 pages, respectively. This is due to their complex taxonomy which probably includes multiple species.

As a point of accuracy, this book covers only the 27 pipits and wagtails found in the Holarctic (North America, Europe, Asia) and not all 52-ish species in the world.

The species accounts contain meticulous notes for identification and descriptions. These cover the various ages along with specific body areas (e.g., head, upperparts, underparts, wings, tail). Very good coverage is given to the geographic variations that can be so distinct in some of these birds. Other thorough sections include systematics (i.e., taxonomy and relationships), molt, ageing, measurements and wing formulae, distribution and voice. A smaller amount of focus is given to behavior and habitat.

Wonderful coverage is given to the vocalizations. In addition to the well written text, some birds have dozens of sonograms illustrated. These may be a bit foreign or thick to most people, but can be very useful to those birders and researchers with a special affinity for sounds.

The plates are of excellent quality, displaying the many plumage variations found in the wagtails and the fine details needed for the pipits. The White Wagtail has six plates dedicated to just itself. To compliment the color plates, scores of black-and-white drawings are included throughout the chapter to help display the finer identification points with the head, tail, wings, or even a single mantle or covert feather. The color photographs at the end of the book provide multiple, quality views of the various plumages.

Lastly, the range maps are individually tailored for each bird. Multiple colors are used to denote the seasonal presence or to distinguish the geographic separation of the subspecies. Each map contains very useful detail such as political boundaries for all countries as well as major and medium rivers.

If you have any interest in advanced birding or have been frustrated by the various pipits and wagtails in the field, you'll enjoy this book immensely. And, if you want to continue your education on some southern pipits, another superbly done book is "Pipits of Southern Africa" by Peacock, 2006 (ISBN 0620359676)… (lisätietoja)