Avian Architecture : How Birds Design, Engineer, and Build

The essential illustrated guide to how birds design and build their nests—now fully revised and expanded

Birds are the most consistently inventive builders, and their nests set the bar for functional design in nature. Describing how birds design, engineer, and build their nests, Avian Architecture deconstructs all types of nests found around the world using architectural blueprints and detailed descriptions of the construction processes and engineering techniques birds use.

This spectacularly illustrated book features more than 300 full-color images and more than 40 case studies that profile key species worldwide. Each chapter covers a different type of nest, from tunnel nests and mound nests to floating nests, hanging nests, woven nests, and even multiple-nest avian cities. Other kinds of avian construction—such as bowers and food stores—are also featured.

Now with more case studies and an updated foreword, this revised and expanded edition includes intricate step-by-step sequences, visual spreads on nest-building materials and methods, and insightful commentary by a leading expert.

• Illustrates how birds around the world design, engineer, and build their nests
• Features architectural blueprints, step-by-step sequences, visual spreads on nest-building materials and methods, and expert commentary
• Includes more than 300 full-color images
• Covers more than 100 bird species worldwide

Peter Goodfellow is a retired English teacher and lifelong birdwatcher. His books include A Naturalist’s Guide to the Birds of Britain and Northern Europe and Birds as Builders. Tony D. Williams is professor of ecological and evolutionary physiology and chair of biology at Simon Fraser University. His books include What Is a Bird? and Physiological Adaptations for Breeding in Birds (both Princeton).