This book presents the most complete & up to date guide to the recognition of the diurnal raptors of Europe & the Middle East yet published. It is written by an acknowledged expert the author of many definitive identification articles & veteran of countless tours & expeditions. Over 700 high quality colour photographs have been specially chosen to show the plumages of each age & sex class of every species found in Europe & the Middle East back up by a detailed text enabling birdwatchers to get to grips with even the most difficult species. The photographs are complemented by almost 100 drawings focussing on particular identification details & the whole is fully referenced with a list of nearly 300 key papers & articles. This book sets a new standard for raptor watching & identification in Europe & further afield.