Finches and Sparrows

Rating:
Summary: The single best book on finch and sparrow indetification.
Review: I am a breeder and distributor of different finches and this book has been the best resource I have been able to find. The picture plates are finely detailed including many sub-species of each type of finch. It even covers some finches that are too rare to be covered in any other book. There is detailed information on each species including, but not limited to, regional location (including migration and breeding maps), identification, differences between sub-species, availability, habitat requirements, food eaten, and scientific and local names. I really want someone to make a book as well done covering Weavers, Whydas, and Buntings. If you are looking to identify species and sub-species of finches then this is probably the only book you will need--period.

Rating:
Summary: Finches & sparrows
Review: It is a nice book but my only complaint is that the birds in it are limited. It did not have indigo buntings and rose breasted grosbeaks, etc.
Also, some of the descriptions do not seem accurate, eg differences between a yellow fronted canary and a yellow eye canary are not highlighted, and the female distinguishing markings are also not covered. The description on the song is also not accurate. I was disappointed with the book because I expected a lot more for the price I paid.

Rating:
Summary: Finches & sparrows
Review: It is a nice book but my only complaint is that the birds in it are limited. It did not have indigo buntings and rose breasted grosbeaks, etc.
Also, some of the descriptions do not seem accurate, eg differences between a yellow fronted canary and a yellow eye canary are not highlighted, and the female distinguishing markings are also not covered. The description on the song is also not accurate. I was disappointed with the book because I expected a lot more for the price I paid.

Rating:
Summary: Good, but with one major omission, and possibly more...
Review: Overall, a good reference to the finches and sparrows of the world. However, those interested chiefly in the sparrows of the New World are advised to look elsewhere, as only the sparrows of the Old World genuses Passer, etc. are included in this work. I repeat: THERE ARE NO NEW WORLD SPARROWS (or towhees, buntings, juncos, etc.) IN THIS BOOK.

Also, I am not sure that all of the munias and mannikins of the genus Lonchura are included, as this book lists only 34, while another book specifically on that subject claims 41. Taxonomic hair-splitting or an omission by the authors of this book?

The Galapagos finches are omitted as well.

Buyer beware.

Rating:
Summary: The Best Guide to Finches & Sparrows, Ever!
Review: This book is an absolute must for any bird lover and bird breeder. The Guide covers all Finches, Waxbills and Sparrows. The plates and maps are placed together at the front of the book and the text toward the back. The guide is beautifully illustrated in 73 full color plates. There is an average of 4 species per plate allowing the illustrations to be large and very accurate . Each specie is delt with in great detail including male, female and juvenile plumages and often the subspecies. The maps display breeding, wintering and permanent ranges. Each specie's text is subdevided into pargraphs : Identification, Description, Geographical Variation, Voice, Status, Habitat and Behaviour, Distribution, Movements, Measurements and Reference. This is an absolute must have book for every bird lover. It has all the requirements for the perfect bird guide