Nightjars, Potoos, Frogmouths, Oilbird and Owlet-nightjars of the World

Admittedly this book may be of fairly limited appeal to many people, but if you – like others – are fascinated by this remarkable group of birds then you are in for a real treat! This is a landmark photographic guide to the 100 species of nightjars and nighthawks, 17 frogmouths, 7 potoos, Oilbird and 10 owlet-nightjars. Each species account is illustrated with many high-quality photographs, including many images which have never previously been published. In fact over 580 superb colour photographs grace the book – the work of 190 different photographers. Some of the birds (and the photographs) are quite extraordinary, and several species have not been seen alive since their discovery (museum specimens are used in these cases), along with the famous Nechisar Nightjar, known only from one wing collected in 1990. Accounts include colour distribution maps, identification points, the main confusion species within range, vocalizations, habitat and altitudinal range, breeding season and sites, egg type and clutch size, downy chick, status and 2009 IUCN Red List category. If you are interested in, or working with, these incredible birds then this book is essential.

Book reviewed by Su Gough