This is a gorgeous book about some of the world’s most beautiful birds.

Sunbirds are among the most striking of all bird groups; their dazzling iridescent plumage and long curved bills are noticeable when the birds visit garden flowers on sunny days to feed on nectar. Some species - especially the females - are duller in appearance and harder to spot, feeding mainly on insects high up in forest canopies. Spiderhunters, as their name suggests, feed extensively on spiders, while sunbirds' other close relatives, the flowerpeckers, are particularly fond of mistletoe berries.

This book is the definitive guide to sunbird identification, ecology, and behavior. Now in its second edition, it has been fully revised and updated to reflect the many developments in sunbird taxonomy, as well as new research published on their biology. It covers all 218 currently recognized species, providing details of key identification features, calls, habitat, distribution, conservation status, movements, diet, and behavior.

New color illustrations by award-winning artist Richard Allen have been added, and hundreds of high-quality color photographs beautifully depict each species. Maps accurately show the geographical distribution of each taxon down to the subspecies level.

This beautiful book is the definitive reference to sunbirds, flowerpeckers, spiderhunters, and sugarbirds of the world, and is essential reading for researchers, birdwatchers, and conservationists alike.

Pages: 608, Year of Publication: 0930, Dimensions: 20.4x20.4cm