Biology of Marine Birds / Edition 1

by E. A. Schreiber, Joanna Burger

Overview

Biology of Marine Birds provides the only complete summary of information about marine birds ever published. It analyzes their breeding biology, ecology, taxonomy, evolution, fossil history, physiology, energetics, and conservation. The book covers four orders of marine birds in detail and includes two summary chapters that address the biology of shorebirds and wading birds and their lives in the marine environment. Summary tables give detailed information on various aspects of their life histories, breeding biology, physiology and energetics, and demography. It provides a guide to ornithologists and students for research projects.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780849398827
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	08/16/2001
Series:	CRC Marine Biology Series
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	740
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

E. A. Schreiber, Joanna Burger

Table of Contents

Birds in the Marine Environment. The Fossil Seabird Fossil Record and the Role of Paleontology in Understanding Seabird Community Structure. Seabird Systematics and Distribution: A Review of Current Knowledge. Colonial Breeding in Seabirds. Seabird Demography and Its Relationship with the Marine Environment. Foraging Behavior and Food of Seabirds. Climate and Weather Effects on Seabirds. Breeding Biology, Life Histories, and Life History-Environment Interactions in Seabirds. Site and Mate Choice in Seabirds: An Evolutionary Approach. Seabird Communication and Displays. Energetics of Free-Ranging Seabirds. Seabird Reproductive Physiology and Energetics. Chick Growth and Development in Seabirds. Water and Salt Balance in Seabirds. Effects of Chemicals and Pollution on Seabirds. Interactions Between Fisheries and Seabirds. Seabird Conservation. Shorebirds in the Marine Environment. Wading Birds in the Marine Environment.

Editorial Reviews

"[A]n impressive array of chapters written by world-renowned seabird ecologists and physiologists. … [A] well-written and relatively comprehensive review … ."
- The Condor


"...the book is very comparative in the subjects that it covers. Readers will be able to compare feeding behaviors, breeding biology, chick development, and many other subjects... The editors are to be commended for making a multiple author text work together so well. The writing is very readable and straightforward."
-Library News for Zoos and Aquariums, September 2001

"The publishers make the rather strong claim that this book provides the only complete summary of information ever published about these specialized birds. Surprisingly, this statement appears correct. Major advances have been made in the study of marine birds in the last two or three decades. This book represents a timely and tremendously useful introduction to recent results, within a general context of evolution, ecology, physiology and conservation. … The essential character of this book is that it contains a wealth of information, nicely presented with good tables and graphs, and illustrated by numerous sketches by John Busby and others. Generally, the text is of very high quality. … this book is undoubtedly a considerable achievement. It seems to be aimed essentially at research biologists, though it will of interest to plenty of other people. It is a book for dipping into at intervals, with relish, rather than for reading cover to cover. And there is a great deal to dip into."
-David Max, in Ibis, Vol. 144, 2002

From the Publisher

Satellite tracking to illuminate the lives of birds at sea, and long studies to follow an individual during its entire life span of 20-30 years are among the developments that have revealed new information about sea birds. Specialists from biological and environmental sciences summarize the current understanding of the biology, ecology, physiology, evolution, behavior, environmental threats, and conservation. They also provide information on questions for researchers and public policy makers regarding the management of coastal lands and marine reserves. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR