The standard work for every professional and amateur ornithologist! This handbook describes all bird species found in Europe and the West Palearctic, including migratory birds and non-native species. More than 8,000 unique color illustrations depict the various plumages of the birds. The distribution of each species is represented on over 600 maps. The important characteristics of each species are described in detail, making identification easy. Additionally, the new systematics of birds has been included in this second edition.