This fantastic book is the superb field guide based upon the larger reference version of the same name. This book covers all of the world's raptor species, with this new paperback version containing 25 raptors which have been elevated to species level since the publication of the original book.

The illustrations show all raptor species in adult, juvenile and many immature plumages together with the main geographical races. The illustrations also show both perched and flying birds as is vital with this group and texts are placed opposite plates giving details of length, wingspan, proportions, shape and flight pattern. The text for each species also carriers a revised distribution map; often a vital tool in the field.

It should be mentioned that the quality of the illustrations is excellent, providing unrivalled assistance in identication of this often tricky group of birds.

Initial chapters on raptor migration, identification and breeding patterns are included at the begining, providing an excellent introduction to the main body of the book. Both versions of this book are reasonably priced in comparison to other similar publications and I consider my copy of the older version to have been well worth the price over the last few years.

The book has truly become a field guide, whereas the older version was too bulky to carry, and it provides the reference material needed to make sense of the often fleeting flyover sightings that are all too common when raptor watching. This new version has in the region of 600 fewer pages than the original so some of the information has been lost, mainly in terms of detailed information about each species.

Treat yourself and get both versions - one for the field and one for home reference. This book will most certainly be extremely useful when attempting to identify raptor species wherever in the world you are birdwatching.

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