Peterson Reference Guide To Bird Behavior

by John Kricher

Overview

A fascinating look at what birds do and why they do it

Both casual and serious birdwatchers can take their skills to the next level with this detailed consideration of bird behavior. This book makes it possible to move beyond identifying birds to understanding some of the underpinning and meaning to what birds do, how they do it, and why they do it. Written in an easy-to-understand style, with an abundance of photos illustrating the behaviors, the book shows how flight, molt, migration, feeding, predation, social behavior, courtship, and nesting shape birds’ behaviors. Birds are everywhere, and easy to observe; this introduction to elements of bird behavior will connect readers more intimately with these remarkable and beguilingly perceptive animals.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781328787361
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	09/01/2020
Series:	Peterson Reference Guides
Pages:	360
Sales rank:	188,708
Product dimensions:	7.40(w) x 10.00(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

JOHN KRICHER is Professor Emeritus of Biology at Wheaton College, Norton, MA, where for 48 years he taught ecology, ornithology, and vertebrate evolution. He is a Fellow in the American Ornithologists Union and is past president of the Association of Field Ornithologists, the Wilson Ornithological Society, and the Nuttall Ornithological Club. He has served on the board of the American Birding Association.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

1 How to Use This Book 7

2 Learning to Watch Birds Behave 11

3 On Being a Bird: Anatomy and Physiology 19

4 A Perspective on Bird Behavior 37

5 A Bird's Brain and Senses 49

6 Understanding Bird Diversity 65

7 The Annual Cycle of Birds 79

8 Feathers and Flight 85

9 Maintenance Behavior of Birds 107

10 Temperature and Bird Behavior 129

11 Social Behavior 147

12 Provisioning and Protection 165

13 The Auditory Bird 203

14 Real Estate, Mate Attraction, and Pair Bonding 221

15 Nesting Behavior 243

16 Migratory Behavior 271

Acknowledgments 305

References and Further Reading 307

List of Scientific Names of Birds Mentioned in the Text 325

Index of Names 331

General Index 339

Editorial Reviews

"This intriguing guide to bird behavior may turn "bird brain" from an insult into a compliment...This nicely crafted guide is captivating, informative, and often amusing. It deserves a spot on the bird shelf of school, public, and academic libraries."—Booklist   —

From the Publisher

10/01/2020

Bird-watchers may find observing and interpreting behavior offers a more intimate connection with a bird than merely identifying species, according to ornithologist Kircher (The New Neotropical Companion). Organized by categories (feathers and flight, nesting behavior), his conversational work will appeal to beginners and experienced birders alike. Ample and highly detailed photographs highlight a variety of behaviors, from bathing to foraging in flocks. Updating the renowned late ornithologist Peterson's much-used guide, this seventh edition has revised range maps and conservation notes while maintaining organization by taXonomy. Color plates illustrate related groups (owls and nightJars, woodpeckers), followed bY annotations describinG individual species (siZe, Coloration, habitat, and More). VERDICT BiRd enthUsiasts Will be Pleased to find both of these books available.

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