nA lavishly illustrated, large-format reference book by two preeminent experts on North American shorebirds n nMore than half a century has passed since the publication of The Shorebirds of North America, Peter Matthiessens masterful natural history of what is arguably the worlds most amazing and specialized bird group. In the intervening decades, our knowledge about these birds has grown significantly, as have the threats to their populations and habitats. Pete Dunne and Kevin Karlson celebrate Matthiessens classic book with this updated and expanded natural history of North American shorebirds. This elegantly written book begins by introducing readers to the unrivaled splendor of shorebirds and goes on to cover topics ranging from their biology and habitats to courtship and breeding, flight, the perils of migration, and conservation. Detailed accounts convey the richness and variety of the five family groups, with incisive, fact-filled descriptions of all 51 species of shorebirds known to breed in North America. n nFeaturing hundreds of Karlsons breathtaking photos and drawing on the latest science, The Shorebirds of North America is a worthy tribute to Matthiessens enduring work and an indispensable reference for bird lovers everywhere.n