Birds: A Visual Guide (Visual Guides) - Hardcover

Burger, Joanna

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1554071771 ISBN 13: 9781554071777

Publisher: Firefly Books, 2006

Synopsis

A 300-page encyclopedic guide to the birds of the world -- from flamingos to owls to penguins.

With hundreds of color photographs and precise illustrations, along with explanatory annotations, Birds examines all aspects of avian life evolutionary beginnings, biology, behavior. This comprehensive reference provides up-to-date information on the conservation status of various species at risk. It also describes how birds have adapted, and how they continue to cope with such inhospitable habitats as tropical rainforests, arid deserts and the frigid Antarctic continent. Readers will find detailed information about the remarkable phenomenon of avian migration across continents and oceans, which covers the mechanics of flight and the structure of feathers. The historical role of birds in literature and the arts is also included.

"FactFiles," found throughout this book, provide quick access to essential facts on each bird species. Birders will welcome this profusely and beautifully illustrated book -- with its expert information -- as an ideal reference and resource guide.

About this title

About the Author

Joanna Burger is a professor of biology at Rutgers University who teaches courses on animal behavior, ecology and ecological risk. The author of several books, she is an international birder involved in environmental research.

Reviews

Birds are found on every continent and in every climate and habitat. There is always a market for new books about birds, and this example from ornithologist and author (The Parrot Who Owns Me, 2001) Burger is a fine addition. Intended as an introduction to the avian world, the book succeeds admirably as a primer on birds. Divided into six sections, the text considers all aspects of birds' lives. Basic anatomy, evolution, physiology, and intelligence are all touched on in the first section, while bird behavior (a specialty of the author), from nesting to display to feeding, is covered in the second. A large section examines the taxonomy of birds, with two to four pages on each group, accompanied by a world map showing its distribution. Habitat, migration, and how birds fill their space are discussed in the fourth section, followed by a look at avian adaptations and lifestyles. The final section, on birds and humans, covers such disparate topics as birds in legend, bird-watching, captive birds, and habitat loss. Beautifully illustrated. Nancy Bent
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Edition details

• Publisher: Firefly Books
• Publication date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1554071771
• ISBN 13: 9781554071777
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 304