This authoritative work of reference has been planned to take account of the great advances that have been made in ornithological knowledge since the publication of the Handbook of British Birds (1938-41).This Handbook covers the whole of the Western Palearctic, which includes all Europe; the Middle East to Turkey, Iraq, and Jordan; and Africa south to about 19DGN. The seven volumes, of which this is the fifth, will contain descriptions of over 770 species of birds occurring in the WesternPalearctic, of which about 600 are breeding species. Each breeding species is described in full, with entries averaging about six pages of text, and sections on field characters, habitat, distribution, mortality and longevity, population (with maps showing the breeding and wintering areas), socialpattern and behaviour, breeding, food, voice, plumages, moults, measurements, weights, structure, and geographical variation. Regular migrants and accidental species are treated under these headings where relevant.This volume, the first of three covering the passerines, contains descriptions of 114 species. Illustrations of each species are in the form of specially commissioned colour plates, showing the full range of normal plumage together with more distant flight views. The artists for this volume areNorman Arlott, Hilary Burn, Dr P.J.K. Burton, Alan Harris, Viggo Ree, the late Laurel Tucker, and D.I.M. Wallace. Colour plates of eggs, black-and-white illustrations, and many text-figures show such features as display postures, voice sonagrams, and annual cycles. A bibliography and indexes areincluded in each volume.Species included in Volume V:Flycatcher; Larks; Martins; Swallows; Pipits; Wagtails; Bulbuls; Waxwing; Hypocolius; Dipper; Wren; Catbird; Thrasher; Dunnock; Accentors; Robins; Nightingales; Rubythroat; Bluethroats; Bluetail; Redstarts; Blackstart; Whinchat; Stonechats; Ant Chat; Wheatears; Blackbird; Ring Ouzel; Fieldfare;Redwing; Veery; Thrushes.