Frances Backhouse

Woodpeckers of North America Frances Backhouse

"Superb photographs and drawings." -- Choice

"Highly recommended." -- Library Journal

The distinctive pok pok pok sound of a woodpecker makes them easy to hear and identify, and watching one at work is fascinating. While all species share certain anatomical features, including a long, straight bill designed for drilling wood, woodpeckers' biology, behavior and habitats can vary widely.

Woodpeckers of North America is a comprehensive, profusely illustrated natural history reference to all 28 species of woodpecker found in the United States, Canada and northern Mexico. The book describes in detail the lives and attributes of each species, examining anatomy, communication, feeding and nesting habits, reproduction, mortality and their relationship with other woodpecker species and with humans.

Identifying traits are covered in 28 profiles that describe:

• Behavior
• Habitat
• Voice
• Drumming and tapping
• Feeding
• Breeding
• Migration and conservation
• Range, including a color map.

The book features 100 close-up color photographs that capture these intriguing birds in their natural environments. Detailed line drawings highlight interesting aspects of anatomy and behavior.

Birders, naturalists and general readers will find this book is an authoritative reference that is a pleasure to read.