Article archives > Pizzey and Knight
November 2008
NOVEMBER 2008 ARTICLES
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The Pizzey and Knight Field Guide to Australian Birds


The Field Guide to Australian Birds

Written by Graham Pizzey, Illustrated by Frank Knight, and updated and edited by Peter Menkhorst

Harper Collins Australia, 2007.

580 pp. Flexi-binding.

TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE

Graham Pizzey first published Field Guide to the Birds of Australia in 1980, with illustrations by Rod Doyle. Since then, this book has gone through several editions, with minor and major changes, not the least of which was the addition of illustrator Frank Knight. Since Pizzey's death in 2001, Peter Menkhorst has added his editorial touch to the guide.

This new edition has been completely revised, and brought up-to-date. It now describes and illustrates 820 species, including 46 newly recorded or recently described species. 250 color plates sit opposite extensive field guide text, along with color distribution maps. Field marks are highlighted in the text to help users distinguish between similar species. the book also inclues full details of nesting habits, voice characteristics, habitats and range for every species.

Weighing 2 lb, 9 oz and measuring 6½" x 9½" x 1 ¼", this book does tip toward the larger end of the spectrum for field guides, but it is certainly still small and light enough to easily carry in the field. It is similar in size to Sibley's Field Guide to North America.

This edition combines a depth and breadth of knowledge with beautiful, full color illustrations and a clear writing style. Not for nothing is this book considered the definitive and most respected work on bird identification in Australia. In our opinion, it is the best guide to Australia available.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Graham Pizzey (1930-2001), author, was highly regarded among professional and amateur ornithologists for his first Field Guide to the Birds of Australia (1980). He was made a Member of the Order of Australia (1980) for services to conservation and ornithology. He was Honorary Associate in Ornithology at the Museum of Victoria for 25 years and recipient of the Australian Natural History Medallion (1986). In May 2000, RMIT University awarded Graham with an Honorary Doctorate of Applied Science.

Frank Knight, illustrator, worked with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), mostly as an illustrator, for 30 years. Frank's other illustrated works include Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia and Parrots of the World - an Identification Guide. Frank Knight plans to return to exhibition painting, which is his main interest. His work has been exhibited in group shows in the USA and Canada.

Peter Menkhorst, scientific editor, has worked in wildlife research and management for 30 years. He has authored two books: Mammals of Victoria: Distribution, Ecology and Conservation, and A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia. In 1998 he awarded the Australian Natural History Medallion in recognition of his extensive collaboration with natural history groups and scientists to promote flora and fauna conservation.

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