Condors and Vultures

by David Houston

This top-selling series introduces the wild creatures of the world and examines the natural world. Good general introductions for ages 10+, these volumes contain the knowledge, personal experiences, and research of leading naturalists and scientists, accompanied by stunning photography. Unless otherwise noted (*), all volumes are sturdy paperback.

Genres: Birds

72 pages, Paperback

First published June 3, 2001

Reviews

[DMREAnne · Rating 3 out of 5]

In 2001 when this book came out, I would have given it a 5 star rating, but today as I write this (2018) there are parts of the book that are inaccurate due to further research on vultures. As a raptor/vulture educator one of my favorite birds to show off to the public is our Turkey Vulture. In 2011 when I began my work with the Draper Museum Raptor Experience, it was thought that North American Vultures were closely related to storks. We now know, however, that this is not true. Also when I began my work with raptors North American Vultures were classified in the order with eagle, hawks, and falcons (Falconiformes). The North American Classification Committee (NACC), which is charged with keeping abreast of the systematics and distribution of birds in North America with the purpose of creating a standard classification has now removed eagles and hawks from the order Falconiformes into the order of Accipitiformes. After a number of studies, it was also determined that North American Vultures neither belong with storks or raptors, so a new order, Cathartiformes was formed to place these into. The book has a number of pages explaining why vultures are related to storks and pointing out their similarities. Due to these changes, that entire section is inaccurate today at no fault of the author. This book will, however, give you an introduction to the many different types of vultures there are world wide. You will find some nice information on various eating habits, their use of thermals to move about; which use their sense of smell, and which do not; interactions with humans and human cultures. The last chapter on Conservation does not mention the devastating loss of the vulture population in India, which were already classified as critically endangered in 2000. Even so the chapter on Conservation Issues is worth reading. There are a nice set of maps in the back showing the range of 22 different vultures world wide. Again, keep in mind that since 2001 this has changed, so if you want accurate, updated info on ranges of various vultures you would be wise to look elsewhere. It might be worth your time to see where the book shows they ranged in 2001 and compare the more current maps of today that you could find on the Web.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent overview of condors and vultures. Photos too.