Customer Reviews

The Life of Birds

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I found The Life of Birds very enjoyable and informative. The author took the trouble to break the information down into a logical set of chapter topics, and the photos are a pleasure to study, especially after reading the accompanying insightful text. I have plenty of good guides to North American birds, but none of my other books have the worldwide scope that this book does, highlighting both the similarities and differences in various species means of handling a given survival skill. Well done! (I enjoyed the subtle humour too!)

The Life of Birds is another fascinating read from David Attenborough. I chose this book solely because he wrote it, not because I was looking for a book about birds. When I came across the book I knew it would be beautifully written and extremely interesting:and it is. Anyone who read and savored The Living Planet will find The Life of Birds to be equally fascinating. The photographs are of the highest caliber. This book can be read and re-read and it will always be interesting. It is a wonderful book to share with children as well. Young one's can benefit from looking at the pictures and having an adult simplify the text. This book is an excellent addition to the home library.

As someone who has had a lifelong fascination with birds, I bought this book more for the photographs than anything else. After all, I knew everything about them already, right? Well, boy, was I put in my place! I learned things about these enigmatic creatures that I never would have imagined. One of the reasons this book is so enjoyable is the fact that Mr. Attenborough makes his own awe at the sheer wonder that birds are readily apparent, rather than speaking from the lofty heights of so many of his contemporaries. It's almost as if he is sharing his journey with the reader, and the two are making these discoveries together. And the hundreds of color photographs are incomparable, almost heartbreaking in their beauty. To make a long story short: if you love birds, then you MUST have this book. Period. Thanks, Mr. Attenborough!

LIFE OF BIRDS is a gorgeous journey into the evolution, behavior, and unique characteristics of hundreds of species of birds, varying from Antarctic-dwelling Emperor Penguins to amazing little hummingbirds (and everything in between). The photos are striking, and almost all the birds in the photos are discussed individually in the reader-friendly text. The author knows how to make bird facts fascinating. Every once in a while, I had to put down the book just so I could share with others whatever amazing bit of information I had learned about birds.

I'll be honest and admit I didn't find LIFE OF BIRDS as engaging a read as LIFE OF MAMMALS, which is also by the same author. But I think that's because I'm a big cat and wolf type of person, not a bird person at all. I've never been particularly interested in birds, and only bought LIFE OF BIRDS because I thought LIFE OF MAMMALS was fantastic. Though I did thoroughly enjoy LIFE OF BIRDS, it took me longer to read it (discussions about aerodynamics are not my thing). The best thing I liked about LIFE OF BIRDS were the photos, many of which were pretty gross, showing birds eating monkeys, snakes eating birds, birds eating poop, etc. Everyone loved gawking at those.

David Attenborough has surpassed himself with this book. Previously best know for THE LIVING PLANET, here with the LIFE OF BIRDS he shows where his real interests lie - they fly. Written in a clear, easy, straightforward prose, Attenborough takes us around the world, using species from various locations to illustrate the books different themes. In discussing flightlessness we are introduced to some of the strangest birds alive today; one of the best known examples being New Zealand's Kiwi. Matching the Kiwi in flightlessness, and in possessing a sublime name, are the Kakapo, Weka and Takahe. When the book discusses plumage and courtship we are taken to the proper place: New Guinea - to look at birds-of-paradise and bowerbirds.

LIFE OF BIRDS is heavily illustrated with full color photographs; at least one per page. The book covers a wide variety of topics such as nesting, parenting, fishing, hunting, and endurance. Attenborough discusses the interesting, and sometimes contentious issues in ornithology, namely: the origins of birds, the evolution of flight, migratory behavior, and bird extinctions. He does this in a very balanced manner, mentioning all the various theories.

A good introduction to bird behavior and a perfect gift for a bird lover.

LOVE IT! This book is not merely a supplement to the phenomenally interesting and educational TV series (available on DVD or VHS and worth every penny and then some), it stands on its own. EVERYTHING a bird lover, casual or professional, might ever have wondered about when observing these graceful creatures is in this book: how birds evolved; how they adapted and often specialized depending on their habitat of choice; evolution of color and "male fashion"; mating rituals; and breeding details. The reader learns not only HOW birds do certain things, but also WHY they do them. The How is fascinating: how birds sing, how an egg is formed, etc.; but the WHY is just as interesting and often mind-boggling, i.e., why birds sing at dawn... You can't get such detailed information anywhere else that I know of. (Bird identification guides do not cover these topics because that's not their purpose.) Sir David Attenborough has a style all his own, and his voice jumps off every single page. I didn't merely READ this book, I ABSORBED it! Although scientific in nature, this book is so entertainingly written that the reader hardly notices how much knowledge is conveyed upon him. I am a devoted fan of Sir David Attenborough and am presently reading some of his earlier books which are just as beautifully written and presented. I also just received his latest books (Blue Planet and Life Of Mammals) and am eagerly looking forward to reading them as well!

This is the companion book to the David Attenborough series of the same name. David shows in this book, that he is not only a great television presenter, but a great author. It's very hard to put down once you've gotten into it.

Like the series, this is highly entertaining, fascinating, and educational. The chapters coincide with the program, there are ten programs in the series and ten chapters in this book all bearing the same names. Also, like the footage of the series, the photography in this book is incredible. Many pictures are very puzzling, as to how they were taken. A lot of work was expended into capturing these images and it shows.

And yes, of course, there is shared information between this book and the programs but you really don't mind reading it again. Also, there is a lot of behavior, facts, and birds that are not featured in the series.

This book perfectly complements the program and also stands well alone. So, if you are interested in "The Life of Birds" series, this also is a must-have!

David Attenbourough is a genius. He is able to write about birds, and tell all the facts, yet, he somehow maked it into a story. It's extremely enjoyable to read. It was never boring. David Attenbourough made it funny, too. It is by far the best book I've ever read. (And I'm only twelve! It's wonderful for all ages.)

My grandpa gave me this book last year and I still love it! I just turned 15 and now I am re-reading it again! Great photos, great text, and follows along with the tv series! Every birder should buy this book!

I have read excerpts to my husband, to students in my son's first grade class--I would be delighted to share this book with anyone. David Attenborough is great! 'The Life of Birds' is pure gold. I cannot say enough. . . .