Pigeons & Doves

Rating:
Summary: Not just "flying rats"...
Review: This (surprisingly hefty) book is an excellent guide to a group of birds that many people have a rather dim view of, due to the sometimes massive flocks of feral rock pigeons (Columba livia, a.k.a. the "flying rat") that can now be found nearly the world over. The text is fairly dry, as is typical of all species accounts (and occasionally depressing, considering the large number of these species designated as being endangered), but the book is a treat for those who enjoy a celebration of the diversity of nature (even the dodos are covered). All of the living species and many major supspecies (and many recently extinct species) are illustrated in a series of excellent and beautiful color plates that will surprise and impress those whose experience with this order of birds does not extend beyond their nearest city park. These are NOT "flying rats". Great for the armchair bird-watcher.

Rating:
Summary: Worth every penny
Review: This is an excellent book, giving full details on all the pigeon and doves species of the world. Excellent color plates also make the reader very familiar with the different types. I'd recommend this read to the budding aviculturist, old bird breeders, orinthologists, and even the average bird watcher.