Parrots of the World

Parrots of the World serves as a reference guide to every known species of parrot, featuring detailed illustrations and range maps. The book contains comprehensive information about behavior, habitat, physical characteristics, and conservation status for over 350 species across the globe. Originally published in 1973 and updated through multiple editions, this volume represents decades of research and documentation of parrot species. Each entry includes taxonomic information, local names, distinguishing features, and notes on subspecies variations. The text balances scientific rigor with accessibility, providing both technical data for researchers and practical information for bird enthusiasts and conservationists. Color plates by William Cooper and other artists present precise visual documentation of each species in their natural settings. This definitive work emphasizes the diversity and vulnerability of the world's parrots while establishing a foundation for their continued study and protection. The volume stands as a testament to the complex relationships between these birds and their changing environments.

Readers value this book as a comprehensive reference guide for parrot identification and research. Many cite the detailed illustrations by William Cooper as a highlight, with one reviewer noting they "capture subtle differences between subspecies that photos often miss." Positive points: - Thorough species descriptions and range maps - Quality of scientific information - Logical organization by geographical region - Inclusion of extinct species Common criticisms: - Large size makes field use impractical - High price point - Some distribution maps need updates - Text can be dense for casual readers Ratings: Goodreads: 4.47/5 (15 ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (24 ratings) LibraryThing: 4.5/5 (8 ratings) Several academic reviewers in ornithology journals recommend it for research libraries and serious bird enthusiasts. Multiple Amazon reviews note it functions better as a reference volume than a field guide.

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🦜 Joseph Forshaw has dedicated over 50 years to studying and documenting parrots, making this book one of the most comprehensive references on psittacines ever published 🦜 The first edition, released in 1973, became so renowned that it is often referred to as the "Parrot Bible" by ornithologists and aviculturists worldwide 🦜 Every illustration in the book was hand-painted by renowned wildlife artist William T. Cooper, who spent thousands of hours creating detailed, life-sized portraits of each species 🦜 The book covers all 350 known species of parrots, including detailed information about their behavior, habitat, distribution, and conservation status 🦜 When the original folio-sized edition was published, it was one of the largest and heaviest bird books ever produced, weighing approximately 12 pounds (5.4 kg)