This book presents the most complete and up-to-date guide for the recognition of the diurnal raptors of Europe and the Middle East. More than 700 high quality color photographs have been specifically chosen to demonstrate the plumage of each age and sex class of every species found in Europe and the Middle East. The photographs are complemented by almost 100 line drawings focusing on particular identification details, and are backed up by a detailed text enabling birdwatchers to recognize even the most difficult species. The latest information, much of it previously unpublished, describes the plumage and soft part coloration of each category of bird, and compares and contrasts with similar plumages of species which may cause confusion. The book discusses the difficulties caused by stage of moult, variation in light conditions, and changes in silhouette arising from different flight types. Fully referenced with a list of nearly 300 key papers and articles, this book is an essential reference to the field identification of every species, age, and sex class of raptors.
Key Features:
The first comprehensive collection of photographs of European raptors showing all plumages of species in the field
Descriptions of every age class of each sex
More than 700 high quality color photographs and 100 line drawings
Valuable notes comparing difficult-to-identify species
Species List:
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus). Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus). Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus caeruleus). Red Kite (Milvus milvus). Black Kite (Milvus migrans). White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeeutus albicilla). Bearded Vulture or Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus). Egyptian Vulture (Neophron perenopterus). Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus). Black Vulture (Aegypius monachus). Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotus). Short-toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus). Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus). Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus). Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus). Montagu's Harrier (Circus pygargus). Levant Sparrowhawk (Accipiter brevipes). Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus). Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis). Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo). Steppe Buzzard (Buteo buteo vulpinus). Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus). Rough-legged Buzzard (Buteo lagopus). Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina). Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga). Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis). Spanish Imperial Eagle (Aquila adalberti). Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca). Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). Bonelli's Eagle (Hieraaetus fasciatus). Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus). Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni). Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus). Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus). Eleonora's Falcon (Falco eleonorae). Sooty Falcon (Falco concolor). Merlin (Falco columbarius). Hobby (Falco subbuteo). Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus). Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug). Gyr Falcon (Falco rusticolus). Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus). Barbary Falcon (Falco peregrinus pelegrinoides).
Review:
... The photos are particularly well chosen to represent different shapes, plumages, and ages. . . . It is hard to find fault with Forsman; this is a major work which will provide a benchmark for many years. (Birding)
... This guide to the identification of European birds of prey has been long-awaited by raptor enthusiasts everywhere. . . . The book is as authoritative as expected from Forsman's previously published work, and is difficult to fault. . . . The quality of the plates is unfailingly high, and each has been carefully chosen to illustrate a particular identification feature. To date, there has not been such a collection of photographs available within a single book. . . . Raptor enthusiasts the world over owe Forsman a debt of gratitude for this enormous labor of love; it is destined to become a classic and an essential item of baggage, especially for anyone contemplating a stopover at any of the raptor migration hotspots in Europe or the Middle East. E.R. Meek(Quarterly Review of Biology)
... It possesses all the hallmarks of a classic work. An initial perusal indicates that a well-produced gallery of photographs and quality typesetting and design have supported the detailed keynote text. I can imagine few Western Palearctic birders with a serious general interest in field identification not wanting to own this guide. Guy Kirwan(Birding World)
... An essential buy for everyone who expects to see and hopes to identify an unfamiliar bird-of-prey within the area covered. . . . [A] magnificent achievement. J.T.R. Sharrock(British Birds)
... The principal illustrations are photographs--a wonderful collection of invaluable references. An essential book that prepares you for encounters with the birds and puts order into your field notes in a very helpful and reassuring way. (Birdwatcher's Yearbook 2000)
... If you are a dedicated raptorphile, or have a special interest in European hawks, this is a book you will want to own. It is a detailed guide to the field identification of hawks, well-written and organized. The photographs are clear and sharp details show well; the high quality paper and printing helps to bring this feat off. There is a fine section in the introduction on how to identify hawks in the field. (Bird Watcher's Digest)
... [A]n excellent book, recommended to 'birders' traveling to the areas covered as well as libraries, both university and public, where there is ornithological interest. (Choice)
... If you take your hawk-watching seriously then this book will add to your enjoyment of a fascinating group of birds. Charles E. Keller(Indiana Audubon Quarterly)
... Apart from the excellent text, this new guide stands out by its 737 color photographs. This is certainly the best ever photographic raptor guide currently available of (one of) the foremost raptologists, which it will probably remain for many years to come. Oscar van Rootselaar(Alula)
... The most comprehensive raptor guide yet to be published. . . . This book is set to become the 'raptor-watchers' bible for a long time to come. Steve Madge(Birdwatch)
... One cannot fail to be impressed by the depth of knowledge contained in this book. The exceptionally high standard of photography and the comprehensiveness of the collection make the approach used in this book a serious rival to that of traditional handbooks which employ the work of artists. Richard Porter(British Birds)
... In all, this is most probably the ultimate guide on raptor identification in the WP for many years to come, written by what is without doubt on of the most expert authors, if not the most expert, in this field at the moment. Jelle Scharringa(Dutch Birding)
... The book should provide the impulse for a new generation of raptor biologists and sophisticated birdwatchers to go into the field and restart in-depth identification studies. Eugene Potapov(Ibis)
... A magnificent identification guide from one of Europe's leading experts. . . . [It is] a joy from cover to cover and deserves an immediate place on your shelves. Raptor lovers will want this book. It's the first comprehensive collection of photographs of European raptors showing all plumages of all species in the field. It sets a new standard in raptor watching and identification. (Bird Watching)
... The wait has been well worthwhile. The depth of his research is self evident. This is the book to have, and not to lend to even your closest friend, as it would never be returned to you. Any who might grumble, that it is a rather hefty volume to handle, would do well to remember that only a donkey would complain that his sack of gold weighed too heavy. (The Falconer)
... For the birdwatcher this superb new book is not only an invaluable tool in the understanding of the many pitfalls in raptor identification but it also provides a thoroughly captivating portfolio of some of the most stunning birds in the world. (Lancaster Guardian)
... This book has to be on the bookshelf of every serious birdwatcher. (Essex Birding)
... This guide is highly recommended for those interested in raptor field identification and those working on raptors in Europe and the Middle East. The book has a wonderful and almost complete collection of raptor photographs from Europe and the Middle East and is worth buying just for them alone. William S. Clark(Raptor Research)
Table of contents:
Preface vii
Acknowledgements ix
Abbreviations and terminology xi
How to use the book xvii
INTRODUCTION TO THE FIELD IDENTIFICATION OF RAPTORS 1
SPECIES ACCOUNTS
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) 21
Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus) 30
Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus caeruleus) 47
Red Kite (Milvus milvus) 55
Black Kite (Milvus migrans) 65
White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) 77
Bearded Vulture or Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus) 94
Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) 108
Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) 126
Black Vulture (Aegypius monachus) 138
Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotus) 150
Short-toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus) 156
Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) 167
Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) 183
Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus) 196
Montagu's Harrier (Circus pygargus) 215
Levant Sparrowhawk (Accipiter brevipes) 235
Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) 245
Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) 256
Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo buteo) 266
Steppe Buzzard (Buteo buteo vulpinus) 277
Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus) 291
Rough-legged Buzzard (Buteo lagopus) 303
Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina) 316
Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga) 332
Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) 348
Spanish Imperial Eagle (Aquila adalberti) 367
Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) 374
Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) 390
Bonelli's Eagle (Hieraaetus fasciatus) 404
Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus) 416
Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) 429
Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) 443
Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus) 456
Eleonora's Falcon (Falco eleonorae) 470
Sooty Falcon (Falco concolor) 485
Merlin (Falco columbarius) 495
Hobby (Falco subbuteo) 505
Lanner (Falco biarmicus) 515
Saker (Falco cherrug) 529
Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) 542
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) 554
Barbary Falcon (Falco peregrinus pelegrinoides) 567
BIBLIOGRAPHY 579
SPECIES INDEX 588
Key Features:
The first comprehensive collection of photographs of European raptors showing all plumages of species in the field
Descriptions of every age class of each sex
More than 700 high quality color photographs and 100 line drawings
Valuable notes comparing difficult-to-identify species
Species List:
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus). Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus). Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus caeruleus). Red Kite (Milvus milvus). Black Kite (Milvus migrans). White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeeutus albicilla). Bearded Vulture or Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus). Egyptian Vulture (Neophron perenopterus). Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus). Black Vulture (Aegypius monachus). Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotus). Short-toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus). Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus). Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus). Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus). Montagu's Harrier (Circus pygargus). Levant Sparrowhawk (Accipiter brevipes). Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus). Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis). Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo). Steppe Buzzard (Buteo buteo vulpinus). Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus). Rough-legged Buzzard (Buteo lagopus). Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina). Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga). Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis). Spanish Imperial Eagle (Aquila adalberti). Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca). Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). Bonelli's Eagle (Hieraaetus fasciatus). Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus). Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni). Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus). Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus). Eleonora's Falcon (Falco eleonorae). Sooty Falcon (Falco concolor). Merlin (Falco columbarius). Hobby (Falco subbuteo). Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus). Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug). Gyr Falcon (Falco rusticolus). Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus). Barbary Falcon (Falco peregrinus pelegrinoides).
Review:
... The photos are particularly well chosen to represent different shapes, plumages, and ages. . . . It is hard to find fault with Forsman; this is a major work which will provide a benchmark for many years. (Birding)
... This guide to the identification of European birds of prey has been long-awaited by raptor enthusiasts everywhere. . . . The book is as authoritative as expected from Forsman's previously published work, and is difficult to fault. . . . The quality of the plates is unfailingly high, and each has been carefully chosen to illustrate a particular identification feature. To date, there has not been such a collection of photographs available within a single book. . . . Raptor enthusiasts the world over owe Forsman a debt of gratitude for this enormous labor of love; it is destined to become a classic and an essential item of baggage, especially for anyone contemplating a stopover at any of the raptor migration hotspots in Europe or the Middle East. E.R. Meek(Quarterly Review of Biology)
... It possesses all the hallmarks of a classic work. An initial perusal indicates that a well-produced gallery of photographs and quality typesetting and design have supported the detailed keynote text. I can imagine few Western Palearctic birders with a serious general interest in field identification not wanting to own this guide. Guy Kirwan(Birding World)
... An essential buy for everyone who expects to see and hopes to identify an unfamiliar bird-of-prey within the area covered. . . . [A] magnificent achievement. J.T.R. Sharrock(British Birds)
... The principal illustrations are photographs--a wonderful collection of invaluable references. An essential book that prepares you for encounters with the birds and puts order into your field notes in a very helpful and reassuring way. (Birdwatcher's Yearbook 2000)
... If you are a dedicated raptorphile, or have a special interest in European hawks, this is a book you will want to own. It is a detailed guide to the field identification of hawks, well-written and organized. The photographs are clear and sharp details show well; the high quality paper and printing helps to bring this feat off. There is a fine section in the introduction on how to identify hawks in the field. (Bird Watcher's Digest)
... [A]n excellent book, recommended to 'birders' traveling to the areas covered as well as libraries, both university and public, where there is ornithological interest. (Choice)
... If you take your hawk-watching seriously then this book will add to your enjoyment of a fascinating group of birds. Charles E. Keller(Indiana Audubon Quarterly)
... Apart from the excellent text, this new guide stands out by its 737 color photographs. This is certainly the best ever photographic raptor guide currently available of (one of) the foremost raptologists, which it will probably remain for many years to come. Oscar van Rootselaar(Alula)
... The most comprehensive raptor guide yet to be published. . . . This book is set to become the 'raptor-watchers' bible for a long time to come. Steve Madge(Birdwatch)
... One cannot fail to be impressed by the depth of knowledge contained in this book. The exceptionally high standard of photography and the comprehensiveness of the collection make the approach used in this book a serious rival to that of traditional handbooks which employ the work of artists. Richard Porter(British Birds)
... In all, this is most probably the ultimate guide on raptor identification in the WP for many years to come, written by what is without doubt on of the most expert authors, if not the most expert, in this field at the moment. Jelle Scharringa(Dutch Birding)
... The book should provide the impulse for a new generation of raptor biologists and sophisticated birdwatchers to go into the field and restart in-depth identification studies. Eugene Potapov(Ibis)
... A magnificent identification guide from one of Europe's leading experts. . . . [It is] a joy from cover to cover and deserves an immediate place on your shelves. Raptor lovers will want this book. It's the first comprehensive collection of photographs of European raptors showing all plumages of all species in the field. It sets a new standard in raptor watching and identification. (Bird Watching)
... The wait has been well worthwhile. The depth of his research is self evident. This is the book to have, and not to lend to even your closest friend, as it would never be returned to you. Any who might grumble, that it is a rather hefty volume to handle, would do well to remember that only a donkey would complain that his sack of gold weighed too heavy. (The Falconer)
... For the birdwatcher this superb new book is not only an invaluable tool in the understanding of the many pitfalls in raptor identification but it also provides a thoroughly captivating portfolio of some of the most stunning birds in the world. (Lancaster Guardian)
... This book has to be on the bookshelf of every serious birdwatcher. (Essex Birding)
... This guide is highly recommended for those interested in raptor field identification and those working on raptors in Europe and the Middle East. The book has a wonderful and almost complete collection of raptor photographs from Europe and the Middle East and is worth buying just for them alone. William S. Clark(Raptor Research)
Table of contents:
Preface vii
Acknowledgements ix
Abbreviations and terminology xi
How to use the book xvii
INTRODUCTION TO THE FIELD IDENTIFICATION OF RAPTORS 1
SPECIES ACCOUNTS
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) 21
Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus) 30
Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus caeruleus) 47
Red Kite (Milvus milvus) 55
Black Kite (Milvus migrans) 65
White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) 77
Bearded Vulture or Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus) 94
Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) 108
Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) 126
Black Vulture (Aegypius monachus) 138
Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotus) 150
Short-toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus) 156
Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) 167
Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) 183
Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus) 196
Montagu's Harrier (Circus pygargus) 215
Levant Sparrowhawk (Accipiter brevipes) 235
Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) 245
Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) 256
Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo buteo) 266
Steppe Buzzard (Buteo buteo vulpinus) 277
Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus) 291
Rough-legged Buzzard (Buteo lagopus) 303
Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina) 316
Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga) 332
Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) 348
Spanish Imperial Eagle (Aquila adalberti) 367
Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) 374
Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) 390
Bonelli's Eagle (Hieraaetus fasciatus) 404
Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus) 416
Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) 429
Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) 443
Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus) 456
Eleonora's Falcon (Falco eleonorae) 470
Sooty Falcon (Falco concolor) 485
Merlin (Falco columbarius) 495
Hobby (Falco subbuteo) 505
Lanner (Falco biarmicus) 515
Saker (Falco cherrug) 529
Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) 542
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) 554
Barbary Falcon (Falco peregrinus pelegrinoides) 567
BIBLIOGRAPHY 579
SPECIES INDEX 588