This book is devoted to the 162 species of thrush, one of the most widespread and well-known families of birds in the world.

This is the first book for almost a century solely devoted to thrushes, one of the most widespread and well-known bird families. It is a comprehensive treatment of the world's 162 species of true thrush and includes many of the most familiar garden species, as well as some of the rarest, most elusive and least known of all birds. This family also includes, as may be expected, some of the bird world's most accomplished songsters.

Thrushes contains detailed information on identification and distribution, with a full description of each species, including reference to all recognised races, with emphasis given to vocalisations, which are often of key importance in determining speciation. Other sections deal with habitat and range, movements (many species are long-distance migrants), and breeding behaviour.

For the first time, all species in the family Turdidae are illustrated in full colour, with a series of supplementary line drawings depicting particular aspects of shape or plumage. The 60 colour plates comprise approximately 540 images, illustrating adults, immatures, and most of the distinctive races. The plates are accompanied by colour maps showing the breeding and wintering range for each species.

Thrushes is a wonderful addition to the award-winning Helm Identification Guide series, and will surely become the standard reference work to these birds.

Peter Clement is a lifelong and well-travelled birder and tour leader with a particular interest in wheatears and other chats. He is the author of several books including Finches and Sparrows, and Thrushes, both in the Helm Identification Guides series. He is a former member of the British Birds Rarities Committee, and is employed by English Nature, part of this work involving the designation of sites of international importance for birds.

After studying fine art and obtaining a degree in Sculpture, Ren Hathway became a freelance illustrator in 1997. He won the 'Bird Illustrator of the Year' competition in 1994 and his work has appeared in a variety of books, magazines and journals. He has travelled to China and the United States for his research, and has been a keen birder since he was young.

Clive Byers works freelance as an artist and illustrator, photographer, writer, lecturer and guide. His enthusiasm has led him in pursuit of birds throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. He has led many trips to various parts of the world, including every country in South America. He has also provided artwork for field guides covering the Indian Subcontinent, South-East Asia and many other regions. He illustrated A Guide to the Warblers of the Western Palearctic and has contributed illustrations to a number of journals and books.

Jan Wilczur has been a keen birder and artist for many years. He has provided artwork for a number of prestigious publications including Birds of the Indian Subcontinent, Handbook of the Birds of the World, Facing Extinction and Birds of Southeast Asia.