Farmland birds across the world

Farmlands, collectively, form the largest habitat on the globe, supporting a huge variety of birds. Until recently, a global review of this birdlife has not been published. This gap is now filled by the book Farmland Birds across the World, released in March 2010. The book has been written by seven experts in biology and agriculture and compiled by the Dutch Centre for Agriculture and Environment (CLM). It is published by Lynx Edicions in Barcelona, also publisher of the famous Handbook of the Birds of the World. The new book covers all the major farmland habitats of the world, from grasslands to rice fields, and from arable land to coffee cultivations.
 

The book details more than 500 species of farmland birds, 160 of which are pictured. It takes the reader on a journey; from common birds, such as the cattle egret which is found on all continents but Antarctica, to endangered rarities such as the crested ibis in Chinese rice fields, the long-billed black-cockatoo in Australian orchards, and the burrowing owl of North American grasslands. The diversity and beauty of farmland birds is overwhelming. Much of this birdlife, however, is in decline or under threat. The book identifies the many challenges that farmland birds face, such as intensification and greater mechanisation of farming. It also explores the opportunities available for protecting and supporting farmland birds, and highlights actions that can be or have been taken. Richly illustrated, Farmland Birds across the World aims at a wide audience: the conservation and farming communities, birdwatchers, the food industry, policy makers, and other people interested in sustainable farming, food and birds. More information is available here