"In all, 57 species are covered from the well-known such as the Ostrich (the largest living bird in the world) to lesser-knowns such as the Elegant Crested-Tinamou and the One Wattled Cassowary. These birds are mainly to be found in the southern hemisphere yet recent fossil discoveries in Europe, Asia and North America indicate that this may not always have been so. In this book, clear and detailed maps show the most up-to-date distribution of each species." "Divided into two parts, Ratites and Tinamous first covers areas such as the evolution, anatomy, behavioural patterns, mythology and farming of these birds. In the second section individual species are carefully described. Illustrations by Mike Bamford form an integral part of this section along with comprehensive fact-files for each species, detailing information such as typical measurements and physical attributes."--Jacket.