Birds of New Zealand

From Yale University Press:

New Zealand’s birdlife developed extraordinary diversity as a consequence of evolving on isolated islands without mammalian predators. For many years, habitat destruction brought on by humans posed a distinct threat to the wide variety of birdlife, but thanks to recent conservation efforts, many of the country’s species of birds are now protected in parks and island sanctuaries.

Illustrated with nearly a thousand new photographs from one of New Zealand’s top nature photographers and drawing on the latest information from birders and biologists, Birds of New Zealand offers a definitive introduction to the identification and behavior of the country’s extraordinary avian life. The book includes expert and up-to-date information on the 365 bird species found in New Zealand, including species ranging from albatrosses and shearwaters to kiwi and kaka. It will be a valuable addition to the existing literature on birding.

From Aukland University Press:

Illustrated with stunning new photographs by Brent Stephenson and drawing on the latest information from birders and biologists, Birds of New Zealand is the definitive introduction to the identification and behaviour of this country’s extraordinary avian life. From the Kermadecs to Campbell Island, from beloved endemics to passing vagrants, from albatrosses and shearwaters to kiwi and kākā, the book ranges widely.

Key features include:

• Expert and up-to-date information on the 365 bird species found in New Zealand
  
• More than 1000 new photographs illustrating key identification characteristics and variation by age and sex
  
• Authoritative text covering identification, behaviour, distribution and taxonomy
  
• Māori, English and scientific names.
  

Evolving on isolated islands without mammals, New Zealand’s birdlife developed extraordinary diversity. After the extinction and habitat destruction wrought by humans, our birds today are now protected in parks and island sanctuaries and seen increasingly in farms and cities. Birds of New Zealand is the must-have guide to our extraordinary birds – a copy belongs in every bach and backpack.

Paul Scofield is senior curator of natural history at Canterbury Museum in Christchurch and a leading New Zealand ornithologist. He is the author ofAlbatrosses, Petrels and Shearwaters of the World (Princeton and A&C Black, 2006).

Brent Stephenson is a New Zealand bird photographer and tour leader. He recently discovered and photographed the New Zealand storm petrel, a species believed for 150 years to have been extinct.