Raptors of California

Front Cover
University of California Press, Feb 28, 2005 - History - 294 pages
Raptors—the charismatic group of birds that includes hawks, eagles, and falcons—evoke power, swiftness, and grace. Raptors, or birds of prey, gaze calmly about while at rest, exuding confidence and nobility, and, while soaring aloft, they are absolute icons of the California landscape. Featuring descriptions of every diurnal California raptor, this state-of-the-art, beautifully illustrated guide is the first to combine identification of these important birds with a comprehensive discussion of their natural history.

Raptors of California notes well-established field marks in addition to introducing several new pointers that help distinguish especially difficult species. More than a field guide, the book also includes information on raptor anatomy, foraging, reproduction, movement, where and how to observe raptors, human-raptor interactions, raptor conservation, endangered species, caring for injured hawks, falconry, and more. Of special interest is the inclusion of previously unpublished descriptions of raptor behavior and many fascinating anecdotes and vivid observations from the field that provide new insights into the lives of these captivating birds.

* Covers 27 species, with range maps for the 18 species regularly occurring in California

* 104 color figures include photographs and wash drawings illustrating habitats, anatomy, field marks, and behavior

* 12 full-page color plates show the various plumages of each species—including rarities—as well as their appearance in flight

* Highly readable and accessible, even when covering complicated topics such as flight and evolutionary adaptations
 

Contents

II
1
III
5
IV
7
V
9
VI
34
VII
35
VIII
38
IX
47
XXVII
119
XXVIII
120
XXIX
122
XXX
128
XXXI
130
XXXII
133
XXXIII
135
XXXIV
135

X
49
XI
59
XII
73
XIII
77
XIV
78
XVI
83
XVII
88
XVIII
91
XIX
98
XX
99
XXI
100
XXII
104
XXIII
107
XXIV
108
XXV
111
XXVI
113
XXXV
136
XXXVI
150
XXXVII
160
XXXVIII
164
XXXIX
170
XL
174
XLI
186
XLII
212
XLIII
215
XLIV
226
XLV
251
XLVI
261
XLVII
269
XLVIII
271
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