Birds Their biology and behaviour

Explore the wonders of the avian world with this comprehensive and fully illustrated guide to every aspect of bird life. From anatomy, plumage, calls and songs to breeding, migration, flight and feeding, Birds explains all of the significant elements of bird biology and behaviour. Expert ornithologist Jonathan Elphick, begins by defining the distinguishing features of birds before going on to describe their evolution since the age of the dinosaurs. He then explores in greater detail each of the significant elements of bird life: bird biology including anatomy, walking and swimming, plumage, calls and songs; flight techniques and styles; food and feeding; breeding, growth and development; and the mysteries of migration. He also considers human attitudes towards birds through the ages.

Jonathan Elphick is a wildlife writer, editor, consultant, lecturer and broadcaster, specializing in ornithology. During a career spanning almost 40 years, he has written many books including The World of Birds, the bestseller Birdsong (2012) and the award-winning Birdwatcher’s Handbook (2001). He was researcher for Birds & People (2013), the largest survey of cultural attitudes to birds worldwide, and spent five years as researcher on the acclaimed bestseller Birds Britannica (2005).