Book

Pigeons and Doves in Australia

📖 Overview

Pigeons and Doves in Australia presents a comprehensive examination of all native Australian pigeon and dove species. The work pairs scientific research with detailed illustrations by William T. Cooper. Each species entry contains information on identification, distribution, habitat, behavior, diet, and breeding patterns. Maps and data showcase population ranges and movement patterns across the Australian continent. The text covers conservation status and threats facing different species, from habitat loss to hunting pressures. Historical records and Aboriginal knowledge provide context for how these birds have interacted with human populations over time. This volume serves as both a scientific reference and a celebration of these often overlooked birds, highlighting their ecological significance and cultural importance in Australia's natural heritage.

👀 Reviews

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Joseph Forshaw's overall work: Readers consistently praise Forshaw's detailed research and comprehensive coverage of parrot species. Bird enthusiasts and researchers cite "Parrots of the World" as their go-to reference, with many highlighting the accuracy of species descriptions and distribution data. What readers liked: - Precise technical details and measurements - William Cooper's illustrations - Clear organization of species information - Thorough coverage of rare and extinct species - Practical value for field identification What readers disliked: - High price point of newer editions - Some dated information in earlier versions - Limited coverage of behavior in the wild - Technical language challenging for casual readers Ratings from online sources: Amazon: 4.7/5 (83 reviews across editions) Goodreads: 4.5/5 (26 ratings) One researcher noted: "The level of detail for each species is unmatched in any other parrot guide." A breeder commented: "The taxonomic information and identification keys are invaluable for serious aviculturists."

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🤔 Interesting facts

🕊️ Author Joseph Forshaw is considered one of Australia's leading ornithologists and has written over 20 books about birds, including the internationally acclaimed "Parrots of the World" 🌏 Australia is home to 22 native species of pigeons and doves, ranging from the tiny Diamond Dove to the impressive Wompoo Fruit-Dove 📚 The book features detailed illustrations by William T. Cooper, whose wildlife artworks are so precise they're used by scientists for species identification 🦅 Many Australian pigeons have evolved unique characteristics compared to their global counterparts, including ground-dwelling habits and distinctive courtship displays 🌿 The book documents how several Australian pigeon species have adapted to urban environments, while others remain dependent on specific native fruits and face habitat loss challenges