This encyclopedia provides a good overview of the birds of the world. About 9,800 bird species are included. The signed articles, arranged by family, average two to six pages in length. They are written by subject experts at a level accessible to high-school students and the general reader. The discussion of each family is augmented by a "Factfile," which usually includes a distribution map, habitat, size, plumage, voice, nest, eggs, diet, and conservation status. "Special Feature" articles highlight topics such as peacock display and the effects of pesticides, and the "Photo Story" features use photos and detailed captions to illustrate various types of bird behavior.
Species represented include those common to North America, such as snowy owls, blue jays, golden-crowned kinglets, and indigo buntings, as well as birds native to other parts of the world with intriguing common names like purple-crowned fairy wren, skylark, cuckoo roller, mountain firetail, and pin-tailed whydah. The casual reader could glean many interesting facts from this encyclopedia. For example, we learn that the New Caledonian crow is able to create tools to flush out insects; whooping cranes have been "taught" to migrate by imprinting aircraft as their parents; pigeons produce a crop milk that is similar to mammal milk. Outstanding large-format color photographs and illustrations on every page should appeal to both students and the general reader. A 16-page index provides subject access to the contents.
For high-school, public, and academic libraries, this encyclopedia is a good value for the money. Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia: v.8-11: Birds [RBB Ja 1 &15 02] is a more comprehensive and proportionately more expensive set and belongs in larger collections. For smaller collections, the Firefly volume is an excellent alternative. RBB
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Review
A book for long winter nights... simply a fascinating book, fabulously illustrated with fascinating text. (Allan Safarik
Books in Canada 200408)
Comprehensive, sumptuously designed and illustrated. (Mary Ann Gwinn
Seattle Times 20031210)
Exceptionally attractive and informative... a major reference to the world's birdlife. (Donald S. Heintzelman
International Hawkwatcher 200506)
Truly authoritative, but very readable, review of the more than 9,800 bird species on our planet... well-done reference. (Charles Leck
American Reference Books Annual, Volume 35 2004)
An outstanding book that is as beautiful as it is informative, authoritative as it is accessible... an excellent family resource. (Dan Kunkle
Wildlife Activist 200311)
Beautifully illustrated... lavish illustrations and detailed articles provide a lot of information. (Suzanne Hively
Cleveland Plain Dealer 20031126)
For birdwatchers and anyone else ornithologically inclined, this is it. (
Macleans 20031208)
Fabulous... 600 plus pages, 2,000 photos and, most important, descriptions of 9,850 species. (Jay Ingram
Toronto Star 20031001)
Superior to other recent titles... authoritative, signed contributions... lively, engaging photographs. This excellent reference title is highly recommended. (Henry T. Armistead
Library Journal 20031025)
A good overview of the birds of the world... outstanding large-format color photographs and illustrations. (
Booklist / RBB 200406)
Global in scope... one of the most visually stimulating and informative books ever compiled on avian life. (
Science News 20031109)
Readers of all ages will be drawn to the lavish illustrations... exquisite, often large, photographs... a useful and informative reference. (Timothy C. WIlliams
Science Books and Films 200312)
A wonderful contribution... I recommend it. (Clayton M. White
Western North American Naturalist 20040215)
Awesome... beautiful book... read it for pleasure and to be reminded of the richness and beauty of the world's birds. (Susan Hunt
Birder's World 20031224)
A huge amount of information about our feathered friends. (William R. Wineke
Wisconsin State Journal 20040115)
Wonderful photography and clear, lively text written by a team of bird experts. (Dikla Kadosh
Outdoor Photography 200409)
Intriguing, lavishly illustrated, and easy-to-read book... a definitive resource for all birders and naturalists. (
Bird Times 200412)
There are years of pleasure and a lifetime of education in this book. (Jim Williams
Minneapolis Star Tribune )
Magnificent... deserves to win an award for the sheer magnificence of its wildlife photography... Highly recommended without reservation... Outstanding. (Lynn C. Westney
E-Streams )
An excellent job organizing... Sumptuously illustrated with 2,000 splendid color photographs, paintings and location maps. (
American Scientist )
Intriguing facts... easy to read and is visually enhanced by more than 1,000 color photographs. (
Phoenix Home and Garden )
Nicely presented with tons of sharp photos... a fantastic introduction. (Serge Larivière
Canadian Field Naturalist )
