Tales of Remarkable Birds - Hardcover

Couzens, Dominic

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1408190230 ISBN 13: 9781408190234

Publisher: Bloomsbury Natural History, 2015

Synopsis

Throughout the bird world, examples of strange and seemingly inexplicable behavior abound. For example:

Why do male Fairywrens bring flowers to females as a nuptial gift in the pre-dawn darkness? Especially when the gift-givers are not the official mates of the females concerned, but visitors, who furthermore may give these gifts in full view of the official mate?

Why do gangs of White-winged Choughs "kidnap" their neighbors' fledglings and then keep them in their "gang"?

Which bird is so big, strong, and fierce that stories of it killing humans abound? This book looks at accounts of murderous Cassowaries and explains just what might have happened.

What happens in an albatross "divorce"?

This book divides the world by continent and takes a series of extraordinary stories from each to illustrate a great diversity of bird behavior, each examining the truths and the mythology behind each example. An intriguing book from an author with a remarkable ability to engage his audience.

About this title

About the Author

Dominic Couzens has written many books on birds and other wildlife including RSPB The Secret Lives of British Birds, RSPB The Secret Lives of Garden Birds, and RSPB The Secret Lives of Garden Wildlife. His most recent book is The Secret Lives of Puffins with photographer Mark Sisson.

Review

“It lived up to its name after just one or two entries.” ―Fat Birder

“Backing up Couzens's lively text are 120 color photographs of the predominantly dramatic species he has chosen to highlight.” ―Library Journal

“Beautifully illustrated with color photos, Couzens' deft stories of these sometimes baffling birds are told in a chatty style that will absorb any nature lover.” ―Booklist

“The global focus of the book will make you want to grab your passport to visit some of these wonders, while at the same time helping gain an appreciation for one's hometown birds, each remarkable in it's own way.” ―Hipster Birders

"It is an intriguing book from an author with a remarkable ability to engage his audience." ―Sir Reads a Lot

"Through text and photography, Couzens gives each its due, whether it's a bird with leftist tendencies or one that digs burrows and constructs mounds with its big feet." ―Sharon Wooton, Everett Herald

Edition details

• Publisher: Bloomsbury Natural History
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 1408190230
• ISBN 13: 9781408190234
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 224