Stray Feathers [OP]: Reflections on the Structure, Behaviour and Evolution of Birds - Softcover

Olsen, Penny; Joseph, Leo

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0643094938 ISBN 13: 9780643094932

Publisher: CSIRO Publishing, 2011

Synopsis

Stray Feathers showcases some of the remarkable adaptations of Australian birds. A brief introduction describes how evolution shapes form and function, followed by a series of vignettes illustrating the wondrous variety of forms and functions shaped by evolution. For example, did you know that Barn Owls can hunt in absolute darkness and that cuckoos commence incubation before their egg is laid?

Sections include anatomy and physiology; the senses; giving voice; tongues talking; plumage; getting around; finding and handling food; optimizing foraging and feeding; reducing competition; using "tools"; communicating; quality vs quantity; courtship; nests; parental care; chicks; and living together.

The book is superbly illustrated with black and white drawings of a range of birds, making it a worthy addition to the bookshelves of bird lovers everywhere.

KEY FEATURES
* Gives the reader a deeper understanding of the role of evolution in shaping the form and function we so often admire in birds
* Superb illustrations

About this title

About the Author:

Penny Olsen is an Honorary Professor in the Division of Ecology and Evolution, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University. During her career as a research scientist she increasingly turned her hand to writing about Australian wildlife, its history, researchers and illustrators. She is the author of nearly 30 books and 120 research papers.

Review:

"Stray Feathers is an appropriate, yet accurately ambiguous title for this volume. Olsen and Joseph, both experienced writers and ornithologists, have produced a series of vignettes addressing a wide range of topics, all fouced on evolution of structure and behavior in Australian birds. The individual entries range from a few sentences in length to essays covering two pages, and nearly all are accompanied by beautifully executed black-and-white drawings. The entries are loosely combined into focused "chapters", the titles of which are generally explantaory... The result, snapshots of Australian bird life, is not meant specifically to be a reference volume. The writing is well done and the topics are very interesting. True bird lovers will like this book. Academic libraries with strong ornithological holdings will want a copy. Summing Up: Recommended." (Choice 2012-06-01)

"RECOMMENDATION: If you have an interest in the natural history of Australian birds, you'll want this book." (Ian Paulsen 2011-09-01)

About this edition

• Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0643094938
• ISBN 13: 9780643094932
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288