Book Review: Nightjars of the World

ISBN: 978-0-691-14857-1

This week, I received my review copy of Nightjars of the World compliments of Princeton Press. The book is, written by Nigel Cleere, published by WildGuides and is now available for purchase. After pouring through the book, I must say this is an impressive piece of work!

The number of quality photographs of Nightjars, Frogmouths, Potoos, Oilbird and Owlet-nightjars. Many of which have never been published before, is outstanding. Some may cite the data to accompany the photos as well as variation in shots as lacking. For example not many flight shots; but let’s be realistic, many of these birds will be seen in the field just as the photos depict -perched- rather than in flight. The photographs provide a real field like experience that birders will relate to.  For example, the photos of the Tawny Frogmouth on pages 300-301 is a reminder why these birds are so hard to find in the field.

I like the work on the range maps – very detailed and of nice size. The one thing I wish this book had more of, is vocalizations. Especially, since this can often be the only key to nailing an ID in the field. However, Cleere did cover vocalization extensively in his other Nightjar book, which could be used as a compliment to this book or vice versa.

I could not wait to get my hands on this book and it was well worth the wait. With, 135 species of all the Nightjars and Nighthawks, Frogmouths, Potoos, Oilbird and Owlet-nightjars. Hundreds of quality color photographs covering every known species and many of the subspecies, including a significant number of images never previously published. This, is a book well worth having. An impressive piece of work and one I would definitely use in the field when out looking for nocturnal Caprimulgids.

Tags: Nightjars of the World, Book Review

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