Provides the first comprehensive, up-to-date, and scientifically accurate overview of the behaviour, biology, ecology, biogeography, and history of the most ornate and dramatic group of birds on earth.

Preface and acknowledgement List of colour plates List of abbreviations Plan of the book Diagrams of bird topography Diagrams of bird of paradise structural morphology Map showing some more important locations mentioned in the text Boundaries of the regional maps used in the species accounts of Chapter 9 Part I 1. The incredible birds of paradise - an introduction 2. Discovery of the birds of paradise and history of their study 3. Evolution and biogeography of the birds of paradise 4. Ecology of the birds of paradise 5. Reproductive behaviour 6. Nesting biology and parental behaviour 7. Birds of paradise in human tradition and culture 8. Conservation Part II Family, subfamily, genus and species accounts Appendices References Index

Clifford B. Frith , Bruce M. Beehler , Research Associate, Smithsonian Institution, and Director, Environment and Natural Resources Counterpart International, Washington, USA

`'The first comprehensive overview of this dramatic group of birds...' BBC Wildlife |d October 1998