Birds: A Visual Guide (Visual Guides)

Birds: A Visual Guide (Visual Guides)

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. 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 Packed with more than 500 striking color photographs and illustrations, this encyclopedic guide leaves no stone unturned in examining avian life. (Kim Castelberry Outdoor Photographer ) Hundreds of color photos, illustrations, and diagrams pack Birds: A Visual Guide, making it an eye-catching encyclopedic reference for anyone interested in birds of the world. General-interest lending [libraries] seeking suitable display books with eye-catching covers and presentations will want this. (James A. Cox California Bookwatch, The Midwest Book Review ) A very attractive volume. The text is accurate, readable and accessible to laypeople... hundreds of color photographs. (Jonathan F. Husband American Reference Books Annual ) Succeeds admirably as a primer on birds... the text considers all aspects of birds' lives... Beautifully illustrated. (Nancy Bent Booklist 2006-09-15) The subtitle is important here: This is a highly visual book with hundreds of high-quality color photos. In glorious, intriguing full-color photos and drawings, birds are shown in various aspects of their biology, behavior, variety, and impact on human life. The variety, number and quality of these pictures may lead you astray from the excellent, solid science found in the text. And the combination of beauty and fact is what makes the book especially worthwhile. ( Science Books and Films 2009-04-01) Best Books for Children, 2007, Zoological Sciences ( Science Books & Films ) Although its pages are packed with stunningly lovely photographs of birds, its more than just a book of eye candy... thoughtful and informative. (Jodi Delong Halifax Chronicle Herald 2006-10-29) Enlightening, lovely-to-look-at reference and resource... You'll also find up-to-the-date information on the conservation status of species at risk and learn lots of interesting tidbits. ( Wildlife Conservation ) Explores the extraordinary diversity of birds... rich, full-color photos... in-depth information about specific birds detailing several species in each category. ( Science News 2006-10-21) The book will open eyes to the glamorous, yet endangered, world of birds. ( Ottawa Citizen 2006-10-15) [Globe and Mail 2006 Holiday Gift Book selection] A careful mix of the popular and scientific, greatly aided by more than 650 colour photographs and illustrations, Birds deal with the usual stuff ... but is also full of odd information. ( Globe and Mail 2006-12-09) A beautiful and informative book filled with startling images ... This is not just a pretty coffee table book, it's one you can use and your children can use and enjoy too. (Greg Langley The Advocate 2006-11-19) Informative and visually appealing ... The photographs by themselves make this a wonderful book for anyone interested in b