THE FALCONS OF THE WORLD. By Tom J. Cade with paintings by R. David Digby.

(1982) 1982 1st US edition. Folio (310 x 236mm). Pp192. Full page colour plates by R. David Digby, line illustrations, bibliography. Blue boards, spine titled in gilt.

"The swiftest creature on earth, capable of swooping down on its prey at 200 miles an hour, is a member of the falcon family. ...These compact, powerully built birds are the subject of this important book, generously illustrated by 40 full-page four-colour paintings, 4 double-spread paintings, and 30 maps. Written by one of the world's leading experts, Tom J. Cade, and illustrated with paintings by R. David Digby, it is a rare combination of the best possible author and the best possible artist. ...Part I of the book provides a general synopsis of the genus Falco, including a discussion of the physical characteristics that distinguish all falcons, zoogeography of the group, functional morphology, reproductive biology, molt patterns, relations with humans, and conservation. Part II consists of the 39 species accounts..." each of which is an essay discussing a species' biology and habits.