modem field guides that now cover the Near East. Rarities are well covered 
with dates and localities, though no information in the book is specifically ref- 
erenced to source publications or observers - something of a problem for the 
more serious birder or conservationist, but probably the correct decision for a 
book designed to gain wide popular appeal. If in any doubt, one can always 
write to the author, since he states that he is willing to continue as a collater of 
past and future bird data from Jordan, given the lack of any other willing vol- 
imteer. 
Having already had the opportunity to make extensive field use of the book, I 
can state that the species accounts are concise yet authoritative and always 
helpful. Each account has an accompanying diagram showing the monthly 
pattern of occurrence (for non-vagrant species) and a map of the breeding dis- 
tribution (where relevant). Many of thie species are illustrated by colour pho- 
tos, the great majority taken by Ian Andrews and Tim Loseby in Jordan itself; 
these are often of a very high standard. The whole book is further enlivened 
by John Busby's vibrant sketches of many of the species, habitats and localities 
- a great visual asset for any bird book. There is a good section on bird conser- 
vation in Jordan, describing the problems faced by certain rare or threatened 
species or habitats. 
For bird conservationists in Jordan the hard work put into researching, writing 
and designing the book should greatly facilitate future fieldwork. As Ian 
Andrews says, there is still a lot to be discovered about Jordan's avifauna - he 
often outlines such loose ends which require tying up, species whose status is 
unclear, localities or habitats that need further exploration and projects that 
deserve to be carried out (e.g. a survey of Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni 
colonies, a national breeding bird atlas) - and this publication will surely act as 
a catalyst along these lines. 
To summarise, the book looks and feels great and is a pleasure to own and use. 
With the signing of the peace treaty between Israel and Jordan, travel between 
the two countries by Western tourists has now become fast, straightforward 
and hassle-free. The many birders visiting Israel will be able to add a whole 
new dimension to even the shortest of trips, for Jordan assuredly has many 
unique natural facets compared to Israel. In this sense the book could not 
have been published at a better time. It deserves all the sales' success that it 
will surely get. 
Mike Evans 
Winkler, H., Christie, D.A. & Numey, D. (1995) Woodpeckers, Piculets and 
Wrynecks of the World. Pica Press, Mountfield, Sussex (U.K.). Hardback. 406 pp, 
64 colour plates. £30. 
The Picidae, comprising Jynginae, Picumninae and Picinae, total 214 species 
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