The Breeding Bird Atlas of Georgia

Book excerpt: This is a comprehensive historical record of all free-ranging bird species known to be breeding in Georgia around the beginning of the new millennium. The atlas profiles 182 species, from the sociable House Wren to the secretive Black Rail; from the thriving Red-shouldered Hawk to the threatened Wilson's Plover. The atlas is the result of a systematic survey conducted from 1994 to 2001, the massive collaborative effort of several private organizations, public agencies, and many individuals. It offers a wealth of information critical to bird-conservation efforts and provides a baseline so that changes to species ranges, numbers, and other significant aspects of each species' status can be better understood. Each species account includes: Color photograph of the bird Information on the bird's habitat and life history, distribution, population trends, and conservation status. Details discussed include diet, nesting habits, life cycle of the young, predators, and interactions with humans. Color distribution map showing the state's six ecoregions and indicating possible, probable, and confirmed breeding Graphs showing population trends, when appropriate Also included are chapters on the survey methodology, results of the surveys, influence of the physical environments of the state on bird distribution, changes in the avifauna since European settlement, and bird conservation.