Bird Nests and Construction Behaviour - Hardcover

Hansell, Mike

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521460387 ISBN 13: 9780521460385

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2000

Synopsis

Bird Nests and Construction Behaviour provides a broad view of our current understanding of the biology of the nests, bowers, and tools made by birds. It illustrates how birds, among vertebrates, have more impressive and consistent building abilities than any other builders, excluding humans. However, birds seem to require no special building equipment and use quite uncomplicated behavior. The book raises general issues in the field of behavioral ecology, including the costs of reproduction, sexual selection, and the organization and complexity of behavior. This volume was written for students and researchers of animal behavior, behavioral ecology, and ornithology, it will nevertheless make fascinating reading for architects and engineers interested in understanding how structures are created by animals.

About this title

Book Description:

Bird Nests and Construction Behaviour looks at the fascinating topic of how and why birds build and use structures such as nests and bowers with very simple equipment. Putting bird building behaviour into context with all other animals, the book shows how birds are the most impressive and consistent animal builders other than ourselves. Written for students and researchers of animal behaviour, behavioural ecology and ornithology, it will nevertheless make absorbing reading for architects and engineers interested in understanding how structures are created by animals.

Review:

"...clearly organized and very well written...This book is a treasure...and is a pleasure to read..." Ethology

"Hansell's book contains loads of information that will be both helpful to the scientist and interesting to the enthusiast...it is thorough, engaging, and fun to read. Hansell's book will be enjoyed by students of ornithology, animal behavior, ecology, and evolutionary biology. It will become a valuable part of the collections of university libraries, professional ornithologists, and those generally enthusiastic about all things avian." Auk

"Well written...provides and excellent overview...Of interest to anyone with a passion for evolutionary biology, the book describes fascinating works of engineering and architecture...bird nests are beautiful and serve their purpose well. The same can also be said of this book." Nature

"This is a comprehensive and stimulating volume for students and professional researchers in ecology, evolution, and ornithology at many levels. Discussions of nest structure and material properties will appeal to engineers, architects, and students of materials science. The book contains a wealth of excellent and well-selected black-and-white illustrations and photographs, and greatly extends the work of earlier volumes of bird-nesting biology." Choice

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0521460387
• ISBN 13: 9780521460385
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 294
• Illustrator: Overhill Raith