This book is the first comprehensive guide to all the Old World buntings and North American sparrows.

Buntings and North American sparrows offer a great identification challenge. Many of the long distance migrants are notable wanderers, with a strong tendency to vagrancy, while others are rare and local. Some of the Asian buntings and tropical sparrows are still poorly known, and the skulking habits of some species add to the challenge. Most male buntings acquire a bright plumage, but the American sparrows acquire this exceptionally, rather than as the rule. Many sparrows and female buntings appear to be rather dull brown birds, but a closer look will reveal intricate and often quite beautiful plumage; with these birds, the field marks that will enable positive identification are to be found in minute feather detail.

This book includes 39 plates in full colour depicting all the species and distinct races. In the systematic section each species account is divided into sections: the identification section summarises important field marks; the description section details plumage and bare part characteristics for all ages and sexes; geographical variation covers taxonomy, and other sections give detailed measurements, descriptions of moult and ageing, habits, voice, status and habitat, distribution and movements, and references. A range map is included for each species.

This beautifully presented book will for many years to come help solve the identification problems posed by a delightful and sought-after family of birds.

Clive Byers works freelance as an artist and illustrator, photographer, writer, lecturer and guide. His enthusiasm has led him in pursuit of birds throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. He has led many trips to various parts of the world, including every country in South America. He has also provided artwork for field guides covering the Indian Subcontinent, South-East Asia and many other regions. He illustrated A Guide to the Warblers of the Western Palearctic and has contributed illustrations to a number of journals and books.

Introduction
Acknowledgements

Explanation of the Species Accounts
How to Identify Buntings and North American Sparrows
Taxonomy and Relationships
Breeding Biology
Escaped Cagebirds
Hybrids
Color Plates