The identification guide for ringers
In 2013, Laurent Demongin published, in French, the 'Guide d'identification des oiseaux en main', which received critical acclaim from members of the specialised ornithological press. In 2016, the English version, ‘Identification Guide to Birds in the Hand’ was published, updated with 51 extra species, providing all ornithologists who handle birds the essential information regarding accurate identification of species and subspecies, measurements, moult, sex and age.
The 301 species (154 non-passerines and 147 passerines) most frequently caught in Western Europe by general ringers are presented in detail. To avoid mistakes, identification is systematically compared with species of similar appearance, which represents a total of more than 550 treated species. Homogenous treatment of all species groups precludes the recurrent pitfalls of using various books with variable modes of presentation and means fewer books to carry.
Apart from the additional 51 species, major improvements compared to the French version are:
Supplementary information in the introduction
Addition of BTO codes and wing tip data in the heading of each species account
Measurements of all treated species in the ‘identification’ section
Addition of schematic figures of moult sequences
Addition of distribution range notes for all species
Addition of EURING age codes in ‘moult’ and ‘age’ sections
Improved organisation of figures clarifying them and becoming more comprehensive
Addition of sonograms for some species (i.e. warblers...)
Addition of various informative figures and comparative illustrations
Addition of bibliographic references at the end of each species account
Different index marks for non-passerines and passerines
Addition of appendix with a sample of moult and wing formula cards
Minor corrections and general updates to species accounts
English edition published in 2016.
Size: 17x24 cm
392 black and white pages with soft cover with flaps
Weight: 870g
