Nuthatches

Erik Mattysen

Manufactured on Demand title - 2 to 4 weeks lead time.

The nuthatches are common and widespread birds throughout the Northern Hemisphere, but poorly studied until quite recently. Erik Matthysen's extensive studies, started in 1982, have done much to illuminate their ecology.

A detailed description of the ecology and behaviour of the Eurasian Nuthatch.

A fascinating species, one of only a few to rely largely on stored food for the winter survival and to live as a territorial pair throughout the year.

The intricate dynamics of pair stability, territory size and the various strategies of floating, non-territory holders is the subject of an entire chapter.

The habitat fragmentation that has accompanied widespread disruption of woodland habitats everywhere has had a profound effect on territorial and social behaviour and this is dealt with at length.

Comparisons with the 23 other nuthatch species provide good general perspectives on biological species separation problems.

Insights into other species set the scene for further work which may explain the links between species ecology and behaviour and their phylogeny and varying habitats. 335 pages.

Hardback £60.00 £49.99