What kind of parrot is that?

Parrots of the World by Joseph M. Forshaw and illustrated by William T. Cooper may just be the most common book in every parrot lover's home. If you don't have a copy, maybe you should join the crowd!

Originally published in 1973, the book has gone through several printings. I believe I've had my copy for about 15 years now. Well worn and with a parrot nibbled binding, it is a book that gets pulled from the shelf at least once a year.

Meant to be an encyclopedic book of parrot species, the book is divided into three geographical units of distribution: Pacific Distribution, Afro-Asian Distribution and South American Distribution.  Under these distributions each parrot is listed with English Names, Description, Distribution, Subspecies and general notes. In the general notes you will find what was known at the time of publication about the species habits and diet.

Even if you are not interested in educating yourself on the variety of parrot species around the world, the plates are an irresistible draw for most bird lovers. Interspersed throughout the chapters are gorgeous plates of similar species in full color. Illustrations are all based on a particular specimen of each species and curious readers can follow an abbreviation to find out where this specimen is housed. Each species listing is also accompanied with a map of the parrot's distribution.

You may have to find a used copy in order to get your hands on Forshaw's gorgeous Parrots of the World, but it's a worthy addition to any bird lover's library.