Pipits and Wagtails is the first comprehensive, one-volume guide to the twenty-six species and all subspecies that occur in the vast swath of Europe, Asia, and North America known as the Holarctic. These birds are a notoriously difficult group to differentiate, and so the authors--the world's two leading authorities in this field--have gone to exhaustive lengths to ensure that no aspect of identification has been omitted. Twenty-six full color plates and some part plates depict all the species and distinct subspecies in different plumages. To help further with identification, the book includes nearly 250 color photographs, numerous line drawings, and color distribution maps for each species.

The detailed species accounts cover all aspects of identification: taxonomy, size and structure, plumage, geographical variation, anatomical measurements, molt and aging, sexing, voice, behavior, distribution, and habitat. They also include sonograms of the species' unique songs and calls. Great care has been taken to accurately illustrate and describe plumage differences between all valid subspecies as well as differences relating to sex and aging. Unparalleled in breadth and detail, Pipits and Wagtails is the ultimate reference guide for anyone interested in this group of birds.