EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE PUBLISHING
Australian High Country Raptors
- Publisher
CSIRO Publishing - Published
12th November 2014 - ISBN 9780643109162
- Language English
- Pages 340 pp.
- Size 6.625" x 9.625"
- Images 6 maps, 52 illus & 159 photos
Australian High Country Raptors covers raptor species that regularly breed in the high country above 600 metres, from Goulburn in New South Wales down to the hills outside Melbourne, Victoria. Author Jerry Olsen explores the nature of these striking animals that are classified as Accipitriformes (diurnal hawks, falcons, kites and eagles), Falconiformes and Strigiformes (nocturnal owls). Comparisons between these high country raptors and lower-elevation breeders are also provided, in addition to comparisons with raptors found overseas, especially from North America and Europe.
The book begins with a description of habitats and vegetation types in the high country, and which raptors are likely to be seen in each habitat type. It continues with sections on finding and watching raptors, raptor identification, hunting styles, food, breeding and behavior, and conservation. Appendices provide species accounts for diurnal breeding species in the high country, with basic information about their ecology, distribution and conservation, as well as detailed instructions about handling an injured or orphaned raptor.
Illustrated throughout with photographs and drawings, Australian High Country Raptors offers readers a chance to look into the lives of Australia’s fascinating birds of prey.
KEY FEATURES
* New information on behavior, diet, breeding, biology that applies to raptors world-wide
* Drawings, graphs and photos that should capture a public audience
Preface and acknowledgements
1. The High Country
2. Comparing Australian raptors to their Northern Hemisphere counterparts
3. Raptor habitats in the High Country
4. Basics of raptor identification
5. Watching raptors
6. Finding raptors
7. Designs for survival
8. Food and hunting
9. Eagles in the High Country
10. Peregrines in the High Country
11. Breeding and behaviour
12. Why are female raptors bigger than males?
13. Conserving High Country raptors
14. Giving care
Appendix 1. Diurnals
Appendix 2. Sick and injured raptors
Scientific names of raptors mentioned in the text
Glossary
References
Index
Jerry Olsen
Jerry Olsen has studied birds of prey for 40 years, in the United States, Canada and Australia, and has more than 130 publications on birds of prey including four books. He is a member of the Institute for Applied Ecology at the University of Canberra. In 2002, Jerry, Susan Trost, Michael Wink and Heidi Sauer-Gurth were the first to describe and name the Little Sumba Hawk-owl Ninox sumbaensis.