Amazing Birds: A Treasury of Facts and Trivia about the Avian World [Paperback]

Roger Lederer Ph.D. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2007

Here's a book that will fascinate trivia buffs even as it captures the interest of ardent bird-watchers. Beautifully color-illustrated on virtually every page, Amazing Birds presents photos, artwork, and diagrams that show both rare and common birds, their eggs, their nests, and their hatchlings. More than 400 unusual facts about the avian world include the bird that builds the largest nest, the rarest living bird species, the longest bird migration, the fastest flyer, the remarkable bird with claws on its wings, and many other extraordinary nuggets of information. Here, too, are answers to frequently asked questions, such as--

Are owls really wise?

How do birds know where to go when they migrate?

Where are birds' ears?

Bird lovers will also find practical advice on ways to attract birds to their garden, as well as instructions on teaching a parrot to talk. Beautiful to look at and fun to read, Amazing Birds will promote renewed interest in our fascinating feathered friends.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

(back cover)
For lovers of birds and trivia, this captivating book features a wealth of fascinating facts, figures, and folklore about our feathered friends. It's beautifully illustrated throughout with colorful artworks, photographs, and diagrams.

Over 400 nuggets of information drawn from nature, science, history, and mythology are sure to astound, amuse, and entertain

Find the answers to these burning questions: How light is a feather? Are owls really wise? Why do birds migrate? How do they know where to go?

Be amazed by the weird world of these winged wonders, from the largest ever recorded egg--equivalent to 220 chicken eggs--to the world's strangest bird, which has claws on its wings

Includes practical advice such as how to attract birds to your garden and how to teach a parrot to talk, and encourages a new appreciation of these awesome creatures of the air

(front flap)
Birds are the most homogeneous and recognizable of all animal groups--they all have feathers and lay eggs, many sing, and most fly. In almost any environment, whether in a town or the countryside, it is difficult not to see numerous types of bird. Of all outdoor hobbies, bird-watching is growing at the fastest rate, and many people enjoy keeping birds as pets.

Because birds are colorful, vocal, and daylight-loving creatures, they have been observed and studied for thousands of years. From carvings in Egyptian caves to today's movies and books, bird images are everywhere. And for good reason--they are fascinating. They hear and see much better than humans can, have developed the power of flight, and are found everywhere in the world except the center of Antarctica. As homogeneous as they are, many birds have diversified in amazing ways, from penguins that incubate their eggs on top of their feet for 60 days to brush turkeys that do not sit on their eggs at all, and from the giant albatross of the oceans to the tiny hummingbird of the tropics.

A treasure trove of varied information, this book provides the answers to many puzzling questions about our feathered friends. With its entirely random organization, Amazing Birds is perfect for browsing through and stumbling upon unexpected nuggets of fascinating information juxtaposed with strange stories and practical tips.

(back flap)
Dr. Roger Lederer is Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences at California State University, Chico, where he has taught for more than 30 years, including courses in ornithology, conservation, and ecology. Dr. Lederer has given many public presentations and workshops, and has published more than 30 scientific papers and books, including two field guides to birds. Focusing on environmental education in recent years, Dr. Lederer served as the first Jack Rawlins Professor of Environmental Literacy at California State University, Chico.

About the Author

Dr, Roger Lederer is Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences at California State University, Chico, where he has taught for more than 30 years, including courses in ornithology, conservation, and ecology. Dr. Lederer has given many public presentations and workshops, and has published more than 30 scientific papers and books, including two field guides to birds. Focusing on environmental education in recent years, Dr. Lederer served as the first Jack Rawlins Professor of Environmental Literacy at California State University, Chico.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Barron's Educational Series (March 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764135937
• ISBN-13: 978-0764135934
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #380,715 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Book for All Ages!, October 5, 2007

By 

M. Graydon "beyondbelief" (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Amazing Birds: A Treasury of Facts and Trivia about the Avian World (Paperback)

I have always been a big fan of Barron's books (publishers of the popular Eyewitness series) and Amazing Birds does not disappoint! The colorful, clear photographs and drawings are a big part of the book's appeal and the fun, interesting factoids have you learning something new on every page. Dr. Lederer has come up with a truly unique format for sharing his interest and fascination with the avian world with everyone, child to adult. This book is the perfect gift for any bird or nature lover, even those who may already have a library of birding books.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Birds by Roger Lederer IS amazing !!!!!, September 25, 2007

By 

bonnie kay "Bonnie" (Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Amazing Birds: A Treasury of Facts and Trivia about the Avian World (Paperback)

I am truly impressed with the wealth of information given in the book.The photos are captivating and the format is perfect for all bird enthusiasts-from novice to expert.

I myself have purchased over 6 books to give as gifts to my friends.We all,at some point,take time to wonder about the wild life in our own backyard.This book is a handy,fun and fact filled reference that I know they will enjoy ! Bonnie from Illinois

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative and beautiful, October 15, 2007

By 

Carol E. Burr - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Amazing Birds: A Treasury of Facts and Trivia about the Avian World (Paperback)

This is an informative and beautiful book, full of fascinating facts about birds and so visually appealing that it is appropriate for a coffee table. Clearly, the goal is to be accessible without sacrificing good science. I find myself going back to it every time I see a bird doing something interesting in my yard.