From Library Journal
Grade 3-6-A companion volume to Wechsler's equally attractive and interesting Bizarre Bugs (Cobblehill, 1995), this compendium is geared toward the curious of mind rather than report writers. A collection of fascinating facts organized by subject (appearance, diet, flight, breeding, etc.), the title is heavily larded with crisp color photos of birds eating, courting, flying, and resting, and of odd beaks and flaunted feathers. The readable text is a compilation of odd facts (often about odd birds) that may satisfy many children but will prod others into delving into deeper, more tightly focused sources, such as Dorothy Patent's marvelous Feathers (Cobblehill, 1992). While not an in-depth view of the wildlife most often encountered in our everyday lives, this is certainly a tantalizing and eye-catching introduction to a wide variety of avifauna and their equally diverse lifestyles.
Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
In this companion to Bizarre Bugs (1995) naturalist-photographer Wechsler introduces birds that have unique habits and behaviors. He surveys appearance (gaudy feather displays versus the bald look), food preferences (from beeswax to clay to carrion), flight behavior (and what makes flightless birds so prone to extinction), and nest-building practices. In each case, he offers a scientific explanation for the adaptation. Many crisp, well-chosen photographs, most of which were taken by the author, show the birds engaged in various activities. Clear, succinct text and short chapters add appeal. Although there may not be enough information here for reports on individual birds, the book makes a great introduction to the topic and a good item for browsing. Kay Weisman
