"Each species is illustrated by adult, juvenile and selected immature plumages, as well as main geographical races and colour morphs: in all, over 2,000 perched and flying birds, some with typical prey, are depicted on the 112 colour plates. Facing texts highlight the plumages shown and summarise length, wingspan, male-to-female proportion, shape, and flight; habitat is also summarised, which in turn relates to the colour distribution maps.

Plates 1-3 illustrate representatives, in flight, of all 78 genera, grouped by size and zoogeographical regions.".

"The individual accounts which follow the plates section detail distribution and movements; habitat; characters (perched and in flight, and including confusion species); voice; food; sociosexual behaviour; breeding; population; geographical variation; measurements; references. The text is enhanced with numerous line drawings further illustrating specific points about identification and behaviour."--BOOK JACKET.