This is the first field guide to the identification of the birds of the islands of the tropical Pacific, including the Hawaiian Islands, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, southeastern Polynesia, and Micronesia. It is intended both as a reference for the expert and as an introduction to birding in the region for the novice. Small enough to be carried afield, it contains much previously unpublished information about behavior, vocalizations, ecology, and distribution. The forty-five color plates depict all plumages of all bird species that breed in the islands, as well as of those that regularly visit them and the surrounding oceans, and of most species believed to be extinct on the islands. Black-and-white figures show many of the rarer visitors.
Introductory sections discuss the tropical Pacific as an environment for birds, problems of birding on islands, and bird conservation. Appendixes include maps of the island groups and a thorough bibliography.
"This book is a landmark in the field. It will long stand as a substantial contribution to our knowledge of Pacific Island birds. At least as important, it will be an impetus to conservation efforts in the Pacific."--C. John Ralph, Research Ecologist, U.S. Forest Service
"This practical, usable field guide covers areas of the Pacific that have lacked adequate treatment until now. By tying the island groups together ornithologically. The authors give a much more coherent picture of island faunas and their evolution than was previously available. . . . Field guides of this quality are exceedingly useful to the most qualified, experienced scientists and to beginning naturalists as well. The illustrations, in particular, will attract and interest many nonspecialists."--Robert J. Shallenberger, Staff Specialist for Migratory Birds, Division of Wildlife Research, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - formerly Refuge Manager, Hawaiian and Pacific Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex
