Shapeshifter

Hi
I read a book in the 80's that had a shapeshifter being pursued and had to shapeshift from a hawk. to a fish, to a cat and so on and could not stay in the shape for long because he would be found by this person that was after him. Also he could not stay in a shape for long or he would lose his human humanity.
I am trying to remember what the books name was and who wrote it.

Any help would be great.
Thanks
Geth

The idea of not staying in a shape too long or else forgetting your humanity is a fairly common premise, and being pursued is common also. Do you remember anything else about the book? The more things you can mention, the better chance people have of ID-ing it.

It reminds me of a scene from a David Eddings book. I don't think it was in The Belgariad series, but maybe one of the books from The Mallorean series, but which one I couldn't say. I can't remember if Gareth who was fleeing something or maybe chasing those who stole his child and I want to say he was a hawk and a wolf at various points in the chase.

Thanks
I remember reading David Eddings but I don't believe these were the ones I was asking about. Don't believe there was that much shape shifting in his series. But it's been a long time.
So it happens after growing old, I read so many fantasy books back then.

If anything else comes to mind....

Could this be from A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Leguin? It's been a while since I last read it, but it sounds a bit like it.

Thank you ! Northstar.
That is the one I was looking for.
Written in 1968, wow, I wouldn't have guessed, I know it was in the 80's that I read it.
I see it is on-line in pdf format. I'll see if it is still in print.

Thank you again.
geth