For a project of this scale it is inevitable that a team of artists will have to be called upon. Nineteen are represented in this volume, but although slight differences in style are apparent, none has fallen below a very acceptable standard. It is notoriously difficult to paint hummingbirds the same individual can look black in dull conditions and iridescent in direct sunlight but the task is achieved comprehensively with the 32 plates covering this family. The species accounts cover taxonomy, distribution, descriptive notes, habitat, food and feeding, breeding, movements, and status and conservation. Subspecies and their distributions are listed.
Every account includes a clear distribution map, covering breeding and wintering ranges.
The team of experts who have compiled and written these accounts have consulted a copious list of references which runs to 62 pages. In fact, everything about this book is big, from its 310x240 mm format and 760 pages to its weight, which at 4 kg precludes it going into the field with you. I can hardly wait for the next seven volumes.