Mountfield: Pica Press, (1998. first edition). Octavo, 36 colour plates, maps, fine copy in dustwrapper.

Sighting a nightjar or nighthawk in the gloaming is an experience much sought-after by every birder; but these relatively common, insectivorous and crepuscular birds are but representatives of an order that comprises 119 species in five families, and found on every continent except Antarctica. The order embraces the Oilbird, the potoos, the frogmouths and owlet-nightjars as well as the more familiar nightjars. Indeed, so familiar are two of the species in North America that their English names reflect their presence in the minds of common folk, Whip-poor-will and Chuckwill's-widow. This meticulously researched book is the first to describe in detail every species of the nightjar order.
In the course of his research for this book, the author has personally examined every species except the newly described Chordeiles vieillardi and his authoritative text will provide the standard work on this group for many years. The text is accompanied by 36 superb colour plates by Dave Nurney which capture the enigmatic essence of these wonderful birds. The introductory chapters include sections on behaviour, plumage and moult, structure and mechanics, fossil record and taxonomy. The species accounts cover identification, voice, habitat, habits, food, breeding behaviour, description including geographical variation, distribution and movements, and status. Line drawings accompany the text to highlight particular points and maps illustrate the distribution of each species.