A must-have guide for anyone interested in the extraordinary birds in New Zealand
New Zealand’s birdlife developed extraordinary diversity as a consequence of evolving on isolated islands without mammalian predators. For many years, habitat destruction brought on by humans posed a distinct threat to the wide variety of birdlife, but thanks to recent conservation efforts, many of the country’s species of birds are now protected in parks and island sanctuaries. Illustrated with nearly a thousand new photographs from one of New Zealand’s top nature photographers and drawing on the latest information from birders and biologists, Birds of New Zealand offers a definitive introduction to the identification and behavior of the country’s extraordinary avian life. The book includes expert and up-to-date information on the 365 bird species found in New Zealand, including species ranging from albatrosses and shearwaters to kiwi and kaka. It will be a valuable addition to the existing literature on birding.
Highly Recommended Great book and exactly what I was looking for. My wife and I are planning a trip to NZ and I wanted to get something with actual pictures vs. illustrations. I am slowly working my way through it attempting to memorize as much as I can.
Birds of N.Z Comprehesive coverage of the birds one meets traveling around n.z. The weightiness of the book is a problem. If the publication had been made slightly bigger, reading would have been a more comfortable exercise. Apart from this small gripe the book is a worthwhile resource.
Great photos but not a field guide The photos and detailed info make this a great coffee table book. I love just leafing through it and am amazed at the variety of bird life portrayed. Sadly, it is way too heavy to take into the field with you. I will be visiting New Zealand next month and was hoping this book would be able to sort out the many unfamiliar birds. I will find out and report back. Photos are magnificent.