Customer Reviews

Bird (Eyewitness Guides)

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Produced in collaboration with Audubon, "Bird: The Definitive Visual Guide" (2007 by DK Publishing) deserves the highest praise for its superb presentation of birds worldwide. Containing a wide variety of representative species, excellent photographs, and a CD featuring some 60 bird songs from around the globe, this is perhaps the best general survey book available on the Class Aves.

The book consists of three chapters and the bird song CD. Whereas chapters two (nonpasserines) and three (passerines) provide basic and interesting information on the biology and geographic occurrence of selected birds representing specific bird orders and/or families, the first chapter touches on more general topics such as form, function, behavior, conservation, extinction, habitats, and ecology.

The Foreword consists of a brief, one page philosophical reflection on the significance of birds in our lives and is followed by 14 full-page images of such species as the African jacana, the European bee-eater, and the great grey owl. As is the case throughout the book, all of these images are in full color and of very high quality.

The Introduction begins with an examination of bird anatomy and physiology. Those individuals less familiar with these topics will find the explanations to be very clear and accessible. At the same time, the specialist will likely appreciate being reminded of how these topics can be distilled to a rather simplified yet informative presentation. For example, in its brief description of respiration, the text states,

"When a mammal breathes, air flows into its lungs and back out again. Bird lungs work differently: air flows straight through the lungs, via a system of air sacs, before being exhaled. This one-way flow allows air and blood to move in opposite directions, known as countercurrent."

The accompanying diagrams very effectively explain how a bird's lungs function in this manner. The reader will continue to encounter similar, high quality explanations throughout the text.

A representative bird skeleton enables us to understand how this structure keeps a bird's weight to a minimum while simultaneously standing up to the rigors imposed by powerful flight muscles. In addition, the explanation of flight forces, speeds, and patterns (pages 32 and 33) is also informative yet concise.

The introduction goes on to clearly describe general avian characteristics such as feather structure, wing structure, gliding and soaring, legs and feet, bills, mechanisms of feeding, communication, defense, breeding, nests and eggs, parental care, living together, migration, threats, conservation, and extinction. Again, one has to admire the manner in which these topics are effectively explained (excellent text and diagrams/photographs) such that the amateur bird enthusiast, perhaps lacking much in the way of formal biological training, can rapidly be brought "up to speed" on the essentials. But, again, professional biologists should also find the explanations very useful as well.

Chapter 1 continues with an examination of bird habitats (28 pages in all being used to cover this topic). A sound explanation of the 8 different recognized biogeographical realms is a notable feature. The significance of continental drift is also considered with respect to the worldwide distribution of ratites (i.e., birds such as ostriches, emus, and rheas). Curious asides such as this abound and add to our fascination for the Class Aves.

Chapter 2 begins with a general overview of nonpasserine bird species and the criteria used for their classification. We then launch into the various orders and families comprising this very broad Avian group. For example, early in this chapter the two species of kiwis are shown side by side. Their geographic ranges are each indicated with a useful accompanying map (these are used throughout the book for each species presented). Important information, such as size, weight, migratory status, nesting, behavior, and species status (e.g., threatened or endangered), are presented as well. Did you know that kiwis are monogamous and, despite their harmless appearance, are perfectly capable of inflicting serious wounds to rivals? Very interesting, indeed.

The parrots (a personal favorite group of mine) consist of some 350 or so species and there is no practical way by which a book of this sort can begin to cover every species. Thus, as in all such cases throughout the work, the authors/editors opt to present some of the most representative species (such as African greys [curiously spelled "grays," rather than the traditional British "grey" spelling], blue and gold macaws, budgerigars, and monk parakeets) while also emphasizing some more unusual species with which the average person might be unfamiliar. In this latter category, the New Zealand Kakapo, a ground dweller and the heaviest parrot in the world, is given a deservedly generous presentation. It is noted how this unique species is being brought back from the brink of extinction through very special protective measures. This and similar such success stories add to our desire to continue bird conservation.

Chapter two provides informative introductions to cuckoos, owls, kingfishers, woodpeckers, toucans, hawks/eagles/falcons, and other such nonpasserines. Very good species representatives are included for each group (though I must confess I did miss seeing the black-and-white-casqued hornbill in the hornbill portion of this chapter... but the authors/editors had to draw the line somewhere).

Chapter three deals with the passerines. After a general introduction (including topics such as anatomy, plumage, bills, nesting/parenting, songs, courtship, and socialization), the species within the Order are examined. Thus we meet the thrushes, wrens, warblers, orioles, flycathchers, ovenbirds, etc., all divided amongst two suborders, the Suboscines and Oscines. While the treatment of passerines is, again, excellent and on-par with the rest of the book, I found the sunbirds section to be especially intriguing. Occurring in parts of Asia and Africa, this group appears to fill the niche that in the New World is occupied by the hummingbirds.

This is not the sort of book one would want to take into the field. It is much too large and heavy for that and it generally does not contain enough species representatives of particular Orders and/or Families to be consistently useful in the manner of a species identification manual. It is rather an excellent general reference manual.

In addition, it should be said that the pages can look a bit crammed with information, both photographic and written. I see this as an asset as it seems there are always at least a few new and interesting avian topics to discover whenever one opens this book.

For those seeking a broad overview of bird biology and an excellent presentation of many of the most representative species (with excellent photographs/illustrations and textual information throughout), look no further. This volume easily earns a five star rating.

I received this book for Christmas, and it is without a doubt, my favorite present. The scope of information presented is absolutely amazing. Birds from the entire world are summarized, along with details on migration habits, habitats, and mating. Information about each bird featured is rather brief, but this is really a visual guide (hence the title), so if you are looking for very detailed information on certain birds, your best bet would be to find a book specializing in that family of bird. The pictures are the real draw here; they are brilliant, vivid, and inspiring. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in birds, nature, and fantastic photography.

My husband spotted this book prior to Christmas and I bought it for him as a gift. I had an ulterior motive in buying it...I wanted to look at this gorgeous book myself. As I've looked at work done by Audobon in conjunction with other authors and photographers, I knew they did excellent work not only in photography, artwork, but also in writing about birds.

My husband is a nature photographer, on the local search and rescue team, a Scoutmaster, and an avid hiker. All of this makes him very interested in birds. He always had a few of the books used by birders to spot birds, but they were hardly very useful (I looked through a few myself occasionally trying to spot a species that I had seen). This book covers so much more than those other books, and the visuals are breathtaking.

I currently have a hard time getting a chance to look at the book as my husband is poring over it, and reading the whole thing which is unusual for him. He isn't a reader like I am. So this is a good thing.

Not having a coffee table, I was never interested in the big books for putting in our living room, but I think we will be getting a small table now. This book will most definitely be residing there from now on!

A great book for so many reasons, for so many people. Highly recommended.

Karen Sadler

...And this book is no exception. The thematic organization, the fabulous photographs, and the fascinating factoids come together to create one of the series' stronger books. It is coherently organized and presents information in an interesting and meaningful way. If you like the Eyewitness format, this is definitely one to add to your library!

(For those who are new to the Eyewitness format, it consists of thematically arranged two-page spreads of brilliant photographs on a white background. There is an intro paragraph in the upper left-hand corner, but most of the text is in the captions that go with the photographs. Generally, the biological sciences titles are the strongest in this series, since other topics often need a more organized progression of topics. You'll get a lot of information out of these books, but you won't get a systematic anaylsis.)

Likes it's predeccessors eyewitness has come up with another miracle. Bird. This book shows feathers, skulls, eggs, birdhouses, nests, beaks in detailed explanations. Very good book.

This is the TOP OF THE LINE Bird Book! It's the perfect 'coffee table', always at your fingertips (but make sure your fingers are strong...being that the book is oversized and very HEAVY)& FULL of the most gorgeous photographs~Lovely to view, to appreciate & to become enthralled with birds, their habits, migration, etc. Even if you are NOT a bird lover, the book has such incredible layouts, that turning each page, seeing the next full page layout is just as breathtaking as the last! A 'museum' type of show. I'd recommend this to ANYONE that loves nature, photography, and appreciates how incredible nature can be.

I am a 9-year-old student who likes birds very much. This book my favourite mid-term present. My grandfather bought this book for me. It has colorful photos and very good informations about many species. My favourite birds are great skua, great northern diver, and peacock. It is the book I have got a massive information about these species. I am very surprised of seeing that almost all species worldwide took place in this book. Most of the books I have seen before with a title of "World Birds" contain a less number of birds.
Kuzey Cem KULACOGLU, Ankara, Turkey.

about as good as a picture/information book can be. if a bird that you're looking for exists, it's in this book, and chances are there are some spectacular pictures of it. for the price, nothing beats it; would pay up to $60-$80 for it.

Dorling Kindersley have become well known for producing clear, visually oriented reference books for adults and children. They had previously published a score of smaller volumes on the subject of birds, but nothing quite like this: a definitive guide, as they claim. The book is best described as an encyclopaedia of birds. Measuring 30 x 25 cm (12" x 10") and weighing over 4.5 pounds, it has the heft of an encyclopaedia and certainly isn't a field guide. At the same time it is an avian art gallery that exhibits some of the most exciting photographs of the world's most wonderful birds.

The book is split into three parts. The 44 page introduction discusses physiology, flight, behaviour, conservation and more. It is nicely concise, making use of numerous photographs and diagrams to explain what birds are. The second, 28-page section explores habitats in the same way. This leaves the lion's share - some 390 pages - for the systematic accounts, which cover all bird families and a selection of over 1,200 species. There is an introductory section for each taxonomic group - species are grouped by Order in the case of Non-passerines and Family for the Passerines. The majority of species are illustrated by a photograph in addition to range map with a short text on the salient features of the bird.

An audio CD prepared by Cornell's Macauley Library of Natural Sounds is included. It is a delightful audio sample of vocalisations from 60 species from around the world.

This is just the sort of book that would have engrossed me for hours as a child. I remember spending many a happy evening poring over my Mitchell Beazley World Atlas of Birds, which would have been the nearest equivalent back then. Already my kids have spent more time looking through the book than I have! It's not too hard to imagine that this book, left idly on a coffee table, will persuade many a non-birding adult to pick up a pair of binoculars for the first time. In fact, it may just be the ideal book to explain to the fascination of birds to the uninitiated. I spend a lot of time watching birds in the wild and even I found myself gasping at some of the photographs. The double page spreads of a hunting Great Grey Owl, King Penguins under water, a Spotted Sandpiper chick hunkered down amongst leaf litter, Toco Toucan, Bohemian Waxwings and Northern Cardinal were, for me, particular evocative.

This is a book I can heartily recommend to birders of all stripes - especially beginning birders, armchair travellers and anyone who likes to celebrate the beauty and diversity of birds. A sort of book equivalent of David Attenborough's "Life of Birds".

Chris Sharpe, 4 June 2008. ISBN: 075663153X

This is a truly wonderfull book.The information is outstanding and the pictures are excellent. Any one interested in ornithology should buy this book.