Hummingbirds: A Life-Size Guide to Every Species

Despite being second to flycatchers for diversity and renowned for their jewel-like iridescence and dizzying aerial acrobatics, there are relatively few books about hummingbirds and even fewer that attempt to provide a comprehensive record of all the world’s species. This fabulously illustrated title not only provides species accounts for all 338 known hummingbirds but astoundingly 262 of these are accompanied by stunning life-size cut-out photographs. Following a captivating foreward by Chris Packham, the fascinating and lucidly written introductory section covers many aspects of the lives and ecology of these extraordinary and dazzling birds, revealing some amazing insights into their unique adaptation and behaviour. The bulk of the book is taken up by the species accounts that provide brief notes on identification, behaviour, breeding and current population trends. Clear distribution maps from BirdLife along with facts about habitat, size and IUCN conservation status are usefully provided for every species and can make sobering reading considering the seriously worrying rate of habitat loss in Central and South America. Given that this beautiful book is notable for the exquisite images there is a disappointing lack of photos illustrating females and juveniles, particularly when most species are described as having sexes that are distinct.

While this might be a tall order, some may feel that this relegates what is clearly an accomplished publication to somewhere between the coffee table and the reference shelf. Having said that, there is still a lot of information packed into this superbly designed and easy-to-read volume. 

Book reviewed by Justin Walker