The best-selling and authoritative reference book on waterfowl has been fully revised and updated by one of the world’s most respected waterfowl biologists.
Honorable Mention for the PROSE Award for Excellence, Multivolume/Science of the Association of American Publishers
Ducks, Geese, and Swans of North America has been hailed as a classic since the first edition was published in 1942. A must-have for professional biologists, birders, waterfowl hunters, decoy collectors, and wildlife managers, this fully revised and updated edition provides definitive information on the continent's forty-six species. Maps of both winter and breeding ranges are presented with stunning images by top waterfowl photographers and the acclaimed original artwork of Robert W. (Bob) Hines.
Originally authored by F. H. Kortright and later revised by Frank Bellrose, this latest edition, which has been meticulously updated by renowned waterfowl biologist Guy Baldassarre, continues the legacy of esteemed authors. Each species account contains in-depth sections on: • identification• distribution• migration behavior• habitat• population status• breeding biology• rearing of young• recruitment and survival• food habits and feeding ecology • molts and plumages• conservation and management
To facilitate identification, the species accounts also include detailed illustrations of wings. An appendix contains comparative illustrations of ducklings, goslings, and cygnets.
This edition of Ducks, Geese, and Swans consists of two volumes, printed in full color, and packaged in a slipcase, along with a CD containing references and additional maps.
Guy Baldassarre was a professor of wildlife ecology at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse until his death in 2012. He is the coauthor of the textbook Waterfowl Ecology and Management.
Table of Contents
Volume I:ForewordIntroductionA RemembrancePrefaceAcknowledgments Basis For The BookSpecies Accounts:• Black-bellied Whistling-Duck • Fulvous Whistling-Duck • Mute Swan • Trumpeter Swan • Tundra Swan • Greater White-fronted Goose • Emperor Goose • Snow Goose (Lesser and Greater) • Ross's Goose • Brant (Atlantic and Black) • Canada Goose/Cackling Goose • Muscovy Duck • Wood Duck • Gadwall • American Wigeon • American Black Duck • Mallard • Mexican Duck • Mottled Duck • Blue-winged Teal • Cinnamon Teal • Northern Shoveler • Northern Pintail • American Green-winged TealVolume II:Species Accounts:• Canvasback • Redhead • Ring-necked Duck • Greater Scaup • Lesser Scaup • Steller's Eider • Spectacled Eider • King Eider • Common Eider • Harlequin Duck • Surf Scoter • White-winged Scoter • Black Scoter • Long-tailed Duck • Bufflehead • Common Goldeneye • Barrow's Goldeneye • Hooded Merganser • Common Merganser • Red-breasted Merganser • Masked Duck • Northern Ruddy DuckAppendix A. Important Waterfowl AreasAppendix B. Ducklings, Goslings, and CygnetsIndex
Creating a brand-new version of such a timeless and previously revised classic is a risky venture indeed, but nobody could be better suited for this monumental task than Guy Baldassarre. He has created a stunning new classic, at once magnificent in its visual appeal and truly comprehensive in its scientific breadth and depth. Hats off to Guy for dedicating himself to this project with such obvious passion, patience, and skill. This book absolutely belongs on the shelf or coffee table of anyone who has ever marveled at waterfowl, whether through their binoculars or from inside the duck blind.
H. Dale Hall
Guy Baldassarre has hit the target. His remake of the Kortright/Bellrose classic provides good biological descriptions, wonderful photographs and illustrations, and easy-to-understand information about waterfowl. I would encourage every hunter and enthusiast to have these books as an educational guide to waterfowl and their needs.
From the Publisher
Guy Baldassarre has hit the target. His remake of the Kortright/Bellrose classic provides good biological descriptions, wonderful photographs and illustrations, and easy-to-understand information about waterfowl. I would encourage every hunter and enthusiast to have these books as an educational guide to waterfowl and their needs.—H. Dale Hall, CEO, Ducks Unlimited, Inc.
When, as an eleven-year-old in 1942, I read F. H. Kortright's first edition of this book, it altered the trajectory of my life. Every subsequent edition, including this latest update by Guy Baldassarre, has improved the landmark reference. I can't imagine that anyone interested in waterfowl or wetlands can live without this indispensable book.—Paul A. Johnsgard, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Creating a brand-new version of such a timeless and previously revised classic is a risky venture indeed, but nobody could be better suited for this monumental task than Guy Baldassarre. He has created a stunning new classic, at once magnificent in its visual appeal and truly comprehensive in its scientific breadth and depth. Hats off to Guy for dedicating himself to this project with such obvious passion, patience, and skill. This book absolutely belongs on the shelf or coffee table of anyone who has ever marveled at waterfowl, whether through their binoculars or from inside the duck blind.—John W. Fitzpatrick, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Paul A. Johnsgard
When, as an eleven-year-old in 1942, I read F. H. Kortright's first edition of this book, it altered the trajectory of my life. Every subsequent edition, including this latest update by Guy Baldassarre, has improved the landmark reference. I can't imagine that anyone interested in waterfowl or wetlands can live without this indispensable book.
