HANDBOOK OF WATERFOWL BEHAVIOR. By Paul A. Johnsgard.

1965 1st edition. 8vo (160 x 240mm). Ppxvi,378. B/w photographs, b/w illustrations, bibliography. Blue cloth, spine titled in gilt.

" The behavior patterns of ducks, geese, and swans are described here in the first comprehensive summary to treat all the species of a major avian family. Based primarily on observation of captive specimens representing more than 80 per cent of the species in the family Anatidae, Professor Johnsgard's study provides a preliminary behavioral inventory of the family; illustrates basic postures and movements; compares the behavioral variations with differences in anatomy, ecology, and evolutionary relationships; and tests and refines the classification of the group. With few exceptions, each species is discussed individually and its behavior compared with that of related species. The focus throughout is on those forms of courtship and reproductive behavior that have special taxonomic significance. Its detailed descriptions and more than 100 pages of photographs and drawings will make the Handbook of Waterfowl Behavior an invaluable aid to teachers, students, and researchers in the field of ornithology".