Among the most familiar and colorful of birds, finches and sparrows occupy almost every type of habitat throughout the world--from the environs of the Dead Sea to agricultural lowlands to the tops of the Himalayas. However, no comprehensive single-volume treatment of these families has appeared until now. Finches and Sparrows, which combines nearly 950 color portraits with detailed descriptions of every species, is an easy-to-use identification guide for birdwatchers, conservationists, and ornithologists, who, along with cagebird enthusiasts, will find this book an invaluable reference.

For the first time all 290 species in the families Fringillidae, Estrildidae, and Passeridae are described and illustrated in color. The color plates feature every species, many races, and most sex and age variations, and the line drawings accompanying the text depict wing patterns, bill and head shapes, and other plumage details. Over 280 color maps show breeding and wintering ranges for all species. Sections on voice, status, behavior, distribution, movements, and measurements, together with information on species encountered in captivity, help make this the most comprehensive and up-to-date guide on these birds.