Life of the Tanager (Comstock Book) - Hardcover

Skutch, Alexander F.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0801422264 ISBN 13: 9780801422263

Publisher: Comstock Publishing Associates, 1989

Synopsis

Alexander F. Skutch has spent more than 40 years studying Neotropical birds, mostly in southern Costa Rica, where he makes his home. In this charming book he observes the habits of the tanagers, a family of some 230 species of brightly colored, predominantly fruit-eating birds of the New World.Skutch describes many of the unusual things he has seen tanagers do, and details their behavior: how they forage and feed, vocalize, interact with one another, court, and breed. He tells how they nest, care for their young, and defend against predators, and shows them in such daily activities as grooming and sleeping. His final chapter is devoted to the present status of tanagers in relation to humans and the destruction of their physical environment. Dana Gardener has provided 19 black-and-white drawings of various species, and a set of 24 of his watercolors illustrate the brilliant colors of the birds and of the tropical vegetation they inhabit..Written in Skutch's inimitable style, Life of the Tanager conveys eloquently his views on conservation, ecology, and evolution. It is sound natural history, sprinkled with a unique blend of personal observation and theoretical reflection. It will be treasured by both amateur birders and professionals.

About this title

About the Author:

F. Gary Stiles is Professor of Biology and Curator of Birds at the Museum of Zoology, University of Costa Rica. The late Alexander F. Skutch lived in Costa Rica for more than 50 years and dedicated his professional life to studying the breeding biology of Neotropical birds. His many books include Life of the Woodpecker and Life of the Tanager. Dana Gardner, who is with the Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology, has extensive field experience in Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia. He has illustrated a number of books on birds and tropical nature.

About this edition

• Publisher: Comstock Publishing Associates
• Publication date: 1989
• ISBN 10: 0801422264
• ISBN 13: 9780801422263
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 152
• Illustrator: Gardner Dana