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OverviewHarriers are a charismatic group of birds of prey with a worldwide distribution that have long fascinated bird watchers and scientists. Here for the first time the biology of the world's harriers is treated within one cover, in readily accessible language. There are detailed comparisons of northern and southern species, descriptions of mating systems and population dynamics life histories, and insights into the selection pressures shaping the birds' life histories. The author addresses such questions as how females choose partners against their apparent self- interest, how they adjust to prevailing circumstances to produce the optimal clutch size, and what underlies variations in size dimorphism and copulation patterns. New information resulting from a DNA examination of the group reveals three new harrier species and allows construction of a new phylogeny of the harriers. The book is brought to life by fine original line drawings of these impressive birds by the author's twin brother. It will be a treat for all raptor biologists, amateur raptophiles, and behavioural ecologists interested in temperate-tropical comparisons. Full Product DetailsAuthor: Robert Simmons (Ornithologist/Specialist Scientist, Ornithologist/Specialist Scientist, Fitzpatrick Institute, Cape Town)Publisher: Oxford University Press Imprint: Oxford University Press Dimensions: Width: 15.60cm , Height: 2.20cm , Length: 23.30cm Weight: 0.666kg ISBN: 9780198549642ISBN 10: 0198549644 Pages: 384 Publication Date: 13 July 2000 Audience: Professional and scholarly , Professional & Vocational Format: Paperback Publisher's Status: Active Availability: To order  Stock availability from the supplier is unknown. We will order it for you and ship this item to you once it is received by us. Table of ContentsPreface ; 1. Introduction: Changing perspectives - from natural history to behavioural ecology ; 2. Evolution and peculiarities of the harriers ; 3. Aerial displays: Mate choice and reverse dimorphism ; 4. Of mice and harriers: Who wins the arms race? ; 5. Mating patterns: Polygyny and deception ; 6. Copulation patterns and sperm depletion ; 7. Sex ratio and egg size manipulation ; 8. Food and reproduction in the tropics ; 9. Clutch size and latitude ; 10. Synthesis ; References ; IndexReviews[R]emarkably compact, written in an engaging and easily accessible style ... rich with fascinating ideas on the evolution and ecology of a spectacular group of birds. We recommend that anyone with even a passing interest in how and why birds do what they do, as well as all those who take the study of behaviour, ecology and evolution more seriously, should add this volume to their bookshelves. --Africa Birds and Birding<br> Author InformationOrnithologist/Specialist Scientist,Research Associate,Fitzpatrick Institute, University of Cape Town and Tourism, Namibia Tab Content 6Author Website:Countries AvailableAll regions |
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