Harriers of the World: Their Behaviour and Ecology / Edition 1

by Robert Simmons

Overview

Harriers are a charismatic group of birds of prey with a worldwide distribution that have long fascinated bird watchers and scientists. Here for the first time the biology of the world's harriers is treated within one over, in readily accessible language. There are detailed comparisons of northern and southern species, descriptions of mating systems and population dynamics life histories, and insights into the selection pressures shaping the birds' life histories. The author addresses such questions as how females choose partners against their apparent self- interest, how they adjust to prevailing circumstances to produce the perfect clutch size, and what underlies variations in size dimorphism and copulation patterns. New information resulting from a DNA examination of the group reveals three new harrier species and allows construction of a new phylogeny of the harriers. The author's twin brother brings the book to life by fine original line drawings of these impressive birds. It will be a treat for all raptor biologists, amateur raptophiles, and behavioral ecologists interested in birds of prey.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780198549642
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	09/14/2000
Series:	Oxford Ornithology Series , #11
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	384
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 3.20(d)

About the Author

University of Cape Town, South Africa

Table of Contents

Preface1. Introduction: Changing perspectives - from natural history to behavioural ecology2. Evolution and peculiarities of the harriers3. Aerial displays: Mate choice and reverse dimorphism4. Of mice and harriers: Who wins the arms race? 5. Mating patterns: Polygyny and deception6. Copulation patterns and sperm depletion7. Sex ratio and egg size manipulation8. Food and reproduction in the tropics9. Clutch size and latitude10. SynthesisReferencesIndex

Editorial Reviews

"[R]emarkably compact, written in an engaging and easily accessible style ... rich with fascinating ideas on the evolution and ecology of a spectacular group of birds. We recommend that anyone with even a passing interest in how and why birds do what they do, as well as all those who take the study of behaviour, ecology and evolution more seriously, should add this volume to their bookshelves."—Africa Birds and Birding

From the Publisher