Literature on the life history of birds is abundant and knowledge continues to grow. But there are few reference documents that compile this information so it is readily available without conducting extensive literature searches.In this book, information on habitat, limiting factors, and status is summarized for 84 species of nonpasserines that occur regularly in Ontario. These topics are covered for the three primary avian seasons: breeding, migration, and winter. Habitat, nest sites, territoriality, site fidelity, annual reproductive effort, habitat loss and degradation, environmental contaminants, and a variety of other topics are covered in the species accounts. A map depicting breeding and wintering range is presented for each species, and illustrations by Ross James accompany each listing.
The series is intended to be “an essential reference for wildlife biologists, environmental consultants, and planners preparing or reviewing environmental impact statements and environmental assessments.” However, serious birders will find these books to be of great interest as well, since they present “so many interesting aspects of the ecology of Ontario birds” ... A strength of this book is that publication citations are provided in the text so that the reader is aware of the source for most statements in the species accounts, and can access the original material if desired. The emphasis on Ontario-based references distinguishes this book from other life history compilations. Sandilands has done a very thorough job of researching information, with 60 pages of literature cited ... I think Birds of Ontario will be a very useful reference for environnmental consultants and planners, but also an interesting read and a valuable information source for Ontario birders. A tremendous amount of material is summarized in the species accounts, and it is presented in a well written style. I strongly recommend this book and future volumes in the series. -- Ron Tozer * Ontario Birds *
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