Authoritative text, detailed illustrations, and a systematic approach make this the most comprehensive pocket guide to cetaceans of the world. Packed with more than 900 illustrations, the Smithsonian Handbook of Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises is designed to enable you to recognize each species quickly and easily.
Illustrated Encyclopedic Approach: Expertly written and thoroughly revised, each entry combines a precise description with annotated illustrations to highlight the chief characteristics and distinguishing features of each whale, dolphin, and porpoise. Additional illustrations to highlight the chief characteristics and distinguishing features of each whale, dolphin, and porpoise. Additional illustrations show the animals "in action" and depict other forms and color variations. Maps show the distribution of every species, while color-coded bands provide at-a-glance facts.
Identification Made Easy: For beginners and established enthusiasts alike, this handbook explains where in the world to look for cetaceans, how to find them, how to tell one species from another, and how to interpret their different forms of behavior. A visual color key at the front of the book aids immediate identification in the wild, then guides you to the detailed species entry.
| Introduction | 6 | |
| Author's Introduction | 6 | |
| How This Book Works | 8 | |
| What Is a Cetacean? | 10 | |
| Anatomy of a Cetacean | 12 | |
| Cetacean Behavior | 14 | |
| How Cetaceans Are Studied | 18 | |
| Conservation | 20 | |
| Stranding | 22 | |
| Where to Watch Cetaceans | 24 | |
| How to Watch Cetaceans | 26 | |
| Identifying Cetaceans | 28 | |
| Identification Key | 29 | |
| Families and Species | 38 | |
| Right and Gray Whales | 38 | |
| Rorqual Whales | 54 | |
| Sperm Whales | 80 | |
| Narwhal and Beluga | 90 | |
| Beaked Whales | 100 | |
| Blackfish | 144 | |
| Oceanic Dolphins With Prominent Beaks | 160 | |
| Oceanic Dolphins Without Prominent Beaks | 194 | |
| River Dolphins | 224 | |
| Porpoises | 236 | |
| Glossary | 250 | |
| Index | 252 | |
| Further Reading | 255 | |
| Useful Addresses and Acknowledgments | 256 |
Overview
Authoritative text, detailed illustrations, and a systematic approach make this the most comprehensive pocket guide to cetaceans of the world. Packed with more than 900 illustrations, the Smithsonian Handbook of Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises is designed to enable you to recognize each species quickly and easily.
Illustrated Encyclopedic Approach: Expertly written and thoroughly revised, each entry ...