Elusive study organisms for ornithologists and highly prized additions to the birder's life-list, the antpittas (Grallariidae) and gnateaters (Conopophagidae) are among the most poorly known Neotropical bird groups. This authoritative handbook is the first book dedicated solely to these two families, combining an exhaustive review of more than two centuries of literature with original observations by the author and many knowledgeable contributors.
Antpittas and Gnateaters provides a thorough guide to the identification and ecology of these birds, with detailed maps accompanying the text. A series of superb plates illustrate most of the 156 recognized taxa; supplemented by more than 250 colour photographs, the immature plumages and natural history of many species are depicted for the first time.
This book is the ultimate reference on these remarkable and beautiful birds, and an indispensible addition to the libraries of researchers and birders for many years to come.

Harold Greeney's profile page

David Beadle grew up in Kent, England, where he had no interest in the natural world until he was gripped by an obsession with birds in his late teens. It was while working at a bird observatory that David became interested in moths, an interest that soon grew to an all-consuming passion. He now lives in Toronto, Ontario, with his wife and son, and he has photographed more than 2,000 species of moths in that province alone.

In addition to his work with moths, David has contributed to over thirty books and countless journals, including New World Warblers and A Field Guide to the Birds of Chile.  

David Beadle's profile page

“This book is quite obviously a labour of love and, for anyone familiar with the author's huge body of published work, it could never be anything but thorough.” —Christopher J. Sharpe, Neotropical Birding
“Greeney's credentials as a field ornithologist are second to none.” —Christopher J. Sharpe, Neotropical Birding
“Plates are of the high quality we have come to expect from David Beadle, and are a pleasure to peruse. In this case one can definitely judge the book by its ... cover.” —Christopher J. Sharpe, Neotropical Birding
“This is one of the best-researched avian monographs ever published, and leaves little to desire in the coverage of its subject. In fact, it would scarcely be an exaggeration to say that everything we currently know about this group is contained within this book.” —Christopher J. Sharpe, Neotropical Birding