The cuckoos
By: Robert B. Payne ; with a molecular genetic analysis of cuckoo phylogeny by Michael D. Sorenson and Robert B. Payne ; color plates by Karen Klitz ; black and white illustrations by John Megahan.
Contributors: Sorenson, Michael D.
Series: Bird families of the world ;; 15
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Published: 2005
Place of publication: Oxford; New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 618
Subjects: Cuckoos
Description: "In The Cuckoos, Robert B. Payne presents a new evolutionary history of the cuckoo family based on molecular genetics, and uses the family tree to explore the origins and diversity of their behaviour. He traces details of the cuckoos' biology to their original sources, includes descriptions of previously unpublished field observations, and reveals new comparisons of songs showing previously overlooked cuckoo species. Illustrated with specially commissioned colour plates and numerous maps, halftones, and line drawings, The Cuckoos provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date account of this family available."--Jacket.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [526]-606) and index.