Avicultural Library - Pheasants & Quail

Pheasants of the Old World

by Karol Sepielak

2018, 564pp, ISBN: 9788394978952

This title covers all 50 known species of pheasants from the Old World. The book starts with a good introduction on characterization of pheasants along with their systematics that deals with historic and current changes in taxonomy. Chapter on aviaries is also included illustrated with photographs.

Section on pheasants starts with genus introduction followed by comprehensive account on every species present in that genus. Each species account starts with common and scientific name of that species along with its German name, its systematics and historical outline dealing with species and known subspecies, its morphological features, occurrence and behavior in its natural environments, threats and protection, its reproduction in nature and captive breeding and finally its summary.

The highlight of this book is many excellent quality photographs showing species, subspecies, their eggs and chicks. Many species are shown in their natural habitats and both sexes are represented in the photographs.

The only thing missing in this title is range maps of the 50 species that are described within, though their ranges are described in the text comprehensively. Author plans to include range maps of all species in the future edition.

Recommendation:

Based on years of personal experience of keeping and breeding many species of pheasants by the author, Pheasants of the Old World by Karol Sepielak is a MUST HAVE title not only for keepers, breeders and conservationists but also for ornithologists and everyone who is interested to learn more about these beautiful birds, their biology and natural history.

You can buy it directly from World Pheasant Association (WPA) here :

https://www.pheasant.org.uk/newpublications.aspx

Pheasants of the World : Their Breeding and Management

The Bird Keeper's Library

by K.C.R. Howman (Keith Howman)

1979, 132pp, ISBN: 9780903264358

1993, 184pp, ISBN: 9780888392800 / 9780888393166

(Slightly Different Covers)

(1979)

(1993)

(Limited Edition of 200 copies by World Pheasant Association)

True Pheasants : A Noble Quarry

by James Pfarr

2012, 248pp, ISBN: 9780888397027

1st Edition (1986)

Revised Edition (1999)

The Pheasants of the World

by Paul A. Johnsgard

1986, 300pp, ISBN: 9780198571858

1999, 398pp, ISBN: 9781560988397

The Atlas of Rare Pheasants

by Keith Howman, Timothy Greenwood & Dr. Philip McGowan

1997 / 2001, Each Volume 248pp

Volume 1

Volume 2

Limited Clothbound Editions : Each volume is limited to 202 numbered copies bound in buckram cloth and presented in a slipcase.

Leatherbound Edition : Limited to 48 copies signed by Author and Artist, each fine bound by hand in leather and presented in a buckram felt-lined presentation box together with an etching, painted by the Artist. Each bird painting is tipped in by hand.

Game Bird Breeders Handbook : Commercial and Ornamental

by Allen Woodard, Pran Vohra & Vern Denton

1993, 493pp, ISBN: 9780888393111

Game Bird Breeders Handbook is a very comprehensive title containing wealth of information about commercial and ornamental game birds and their management.

Book is divided into 22 chapters. First chapter covers introduction of game bird production and its history. Second chapter deals with complete coverage on orders and families of game birds that includes pheasants, quails, partridges, francolins, guineafowls, grouse and many more similar families.

Other chapters covers in-depth information on biology, egg formation and care, incubation, brooding chicks, flock management, handling, loading, flight prevention, food quality, nutrition, genetics & breeding management, artificial insemination, determining age and sex, diseases, farm sanitation, pest control, game farm planning and economics, exotic and rare pheasant husbandry and so much more.

There are numerous drawings, diagrams, charts, tables and black & white photos throughout the book along with asection of color pictures depicting many species of game birds discussed in the book.

In the last, there are appendixes of weights and measures, references and manufacturers of game bird equipment. Finally, there is a bibliography and an index.

Recommendation:

This is a MUST HAVE title. Authors of this book have sixty years of combined experience and anyone who wants to become a game bird breeder will find this book as an ultimate reference.

You can buy it directly from publisher's website here :

https://www.hancockhouse.com/products/game-bird-breeders-handbook