Tundra Plovers: The Eurasian, Pacific and American Golden Plovers and Grey Plover (Poyser Birds)

"This text presents the tundra plovers, comprising of the grey plover and the Eurasian, Pacific, and American golden plovers. Breeding on tundra or northern heaths and moorland, they migrate far south to coastal mudflats, saltings and agricultural landscapes. The text examines the taxonomy, appearance, behaviour, ecology and conservation of golden and grey plovers, and compares and contrasts their natural history and biogeography. It also gives accounts on all aspects of their lifestyle including feeding, mating, parental care, moults, migration and avoidance of predators."--Bloomsbury Publishing. Cover Contents List of plates List of figures List of tables Foreword Preface Acknowledgements 1 The tundra plovers: an introduction 2 Tundra plovers and their allies 3 Taxonomy and geographical variation 4 Plumages and moults 5 Phylogeny and biogeography 6 Breeding distribution, population trends and status 7 Breeding season: breeding schedules and nesting 8 Breeding season: social behaviour 9 Breeding season: sex roles and parental behaviour 10 Migration and non-breeding distributions 11 Behaviour and ecology in the non-breeding season 12 Diet: food and feeding 13 Associations with other birds 14 Conservation Appendix 1: Scientific names of birds and mammals mentioned in the book Appendix 2: Plumage variation in Eurasian Golden Plovers in Norway Appendix 3: Descriptions of plumages of the tundra plovers Appendix 4: The phylogeny of the tundra plovers Appendix 5: Breeding densities in different parts of the world Appendix 6a: Nest site habitats of Grey Plover Appendix 6b: Nest site habitats of Eurasian Golden Plover Appendix 6c: Nest site habitats of Pacific Golden Plover Appendix 6d: Nest site habitats of American Golden Plover Appendix 7: Duration of incubation Appendix 8: Sequences of tonal element in trills Appendix 9: Breeding season alarm calls Appendix 10: Geographical and temporal distribution of museum specimens used in the construction of migration routes and phenologies Appendix 11: Geographical distribution of references used for the migration charts and winter distribution maps Appendix 12: Numbers of Grey Plovers counted or estimated in various parts of their wintering range Appendix 13: Winter populations of Eurasian Golden Plovers in parts of their range Appendix 14: Numbers of American Golden Plovers counted in winter on aerial surveys along the coasts of South America References Tables Index A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W Y Z There are four species of tundra plover: the Grey Plover, and the Eurasian, Pacific, and American golden plovers. They breed only in the northern hemisphere, principally on tundra, and migrate far south to coastal mudflats, saltings and agricultural landscapes. They have attracted avid interest from birdwatchers and researchers worldwide, not least the authors who have studied all four species. The Eurasian Golden Plover has a special claim to fame as questions over its flight speed first prompted the compilation of the world bestseller the Guinness Book of Records! This ground-breaking book on shorebirds (waders) examines the taxonomy, appearance, behaviour, ecology and conservation of Golden and Grey plovers, and compares and contrasts their natural history and biogeography. There are detailed accounts on all aspects of their lifestyle including feeding, mating, parental care, moults, migration and avoidance of predators. The personal touches in this book add immensely to its value, not least the authors' first hand experiences of the birds and their haunts. Most of their work presented here has not been published before, adding to the significance of this highly original book. Long-awaited considerations of differences in plumage, vocalisations, habitat use, breeding, movements and food are included. The links between phylogeny, biogeography and behaviour are bound to excite interest. The comparative approach is highly detailed and refreshing, and marks the book as a classic. Ingvar Byrkjedal has also contributed all of the wonderful colour and line illustrations. Over fifty-five photographs, over one hundred and twenty tables and figures, and many other embellishments complete this definitive book. The tundra plovers comprise the Grey Plover, and the Eurasia, Pacific, and American Golden Plovers. They breed on tundra or northern heaths and moorland, and migrate far south to coastal mudflats, saltings, and agricultural landscapes. They have attracted avid interest from birdwatchers and researchers worldwide, including the authors who have studied all four species. The Eurasian Golden Plover has a special claim to fame since questions over its flight speed first prompted the compilation of The Guinness Book of Records.This groundbreaking book on shorebirds examines the taxonomy, appearance, behavior, ecology, and conservation of Golden and Grey Plovers, and compares and contrasts their natural history and biogeography. It gives detailed accounts on all aspects of their lifestyle including feeding, mating, parental care, moults, migration, and avoidance of predators. The authors' first hand experiences provide personal touches which add to its value.Tundra Plovers explores the differences in plumage, vocalizations, habitat use, breeding, movements, and food. The connections between phylogeny, biogeography, and behavior will be of interest because the authors have dwelt on the differences between the sexes as well as the four species. Byrkjedal has also contributed all of the wonderful color and line illustrations. More than 40 photographs, 150 tables and figures, and many other embellishments complete this definitive book. This book on shorebirds (waders) examines the taxonomy, appearance, behaviour, ecology and conservation of the Golden and Grey Plovers, and compares and contrasts their natural history and biogeography. There are detailed accounts of all aspects of lifestyle including feeding, mating, parental care, moults, migration and avoidance of predators. The personal touches in this book add immensely to its value, not least the authors' first hand experiences of the birds and their haunts. Most of their work presented here has not been published before, adding to the significance of this highly original book By Ingvar Byrkjedal And D.b.a. Thompson ; Illustrations By Ingvar Byrkjedal ; Foreword By Derek Ratcliffe. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [359]-397) And Index.