Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 15 Weavers to New World Warblers

As we near the end of this mammoth undertaking, HBW tackles some of the most familiar and most noticeable of the worlds birds, ranging from the weavers in their vast numbers to some of the rarest birds of all, members of the Hawaiian honeycreepers. The other families covered are the whydahs, waxbills, vireos, finches, Olive Warbler and New World warblers. As a series, HBW is unsurpassed in terms of both its comprehensiveness and contents. The starting essay this time is on conservation of birds from the perspective of 2010, and the photographs are, as always, the star attraction for many. Some particular favourites include one of an immense flock of Red-billed Quelea (arguably the most common bird species on Earth); one of the last three known Hawaiian Poo-uli, shortly before they, apparently, disappeared forever; and the New World warblers in all their glorious finery.

Book reviewed by Su Gough