Phylogeny and Classification of Birds: A Study in Molecular Evolution

Rating:
Summary: hard work but worth it
Review: An amazing bit of scientific research based on a new way of assessing the taxonomic relationship of the birds. Still not completely accepted by the birder community but it should be. I just wish they'd release a less scientifically weighty version. Who needs all those melting point curves!

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating if you can afford it!
Review: This book made a landmark in bird taxonomy when it was first released, and the detailed classification and scientific study makes for fascinating reading, if heavy. It changed my outlook on birds in many ways - explaining quirks of behaviour linking otherwise seemingly dissimilar species, and rationalising the most unlikely relationships. However, it suffers from the great problem dogging so many scientific or special-interest books: the price-tag. You could buy five other useful books for the price of this one. But if it's a resource you need or want, it won't disappoint.