This question-oriented volume seeks to bridge the gap between evolutionary ecologists and parasitologists. A range of experts have written chapters that review general concepts and provide a detailed survey of the parasites of a major group of hosts.

Chapter 1 - Introduction ; Part I: General Principles ; Chapter 2 - Parasite-mediated natural selection ; Chapter 3 - Immune defence: genetic control ; Chapter 4 - Behavioural defence ; Chapter 5 - Parasite-mediated sexual selection: endocrine aspects ; Chapter 6 - Parasitism and the evolution of host life history ; Chapter 7 - Host-parasite processes and demographic consequences ; Chapter 8 - The role of parasites in bird conservation ; Chapter 9 - Community ecology of parasites and free-living animals ; Chapter 10 - Comparative studies of host parasite communities ; Chapter 11 - Host-parasite cospeciation: history, principles and prospects ; Chapter 12 - Host-parasite cospeciation, host switching and missing the boat ; Part II: Avian Models ; Chapter 13 - Birds as habitat for parasites ; Chapter 14 - Viruses, bacteria and fungi of birds ; R S1HAPTER 15 - PROTOZOA, HELMINTHS AND ARTHROPODS OF BIRDS ; Chapter 16 - Avian brood parasites ; Chapter 17 - Conclusion: Evolution of host-parasite interactions

impressive synthesis of recent advances ... This volume also serves as a guide to carrying out studies on host-parasite interactions. Some essential techniques are clearly explained. This excellent work will stimulate researchers in the fields of evolutionary biology, parasitology, community and population biology and conservation biology.

`impressive synthesis of recent advances ... This volume also serves as a guide to carrying out studies on host-parasite interactions. Some essential techniques are clearly explained. This excellent work will stimulate researchers in the fields of evolutionary biology, parasitology, community and population biology and conservation biology.' A.K. Lindholm, 1997 British Ecological Society Journal of Animal Ecology 66