Publisher's Synopsis
This is a personal and well researched account of the European Picidae through the author's lifetime study of these fascinating birds. The book covers all aspects of the natural history of the ten species, including evolution, taxonomy, topography, flight patterns and drumming. There are full detailed accounts of each species. Other chapters deal with their country status, forestry, their relationship with man and other fauna, and field observation. It is illustrated with ten colour plates and with over 70 original drawings by the prize-winning artist Szabolcs Kokay.
