The Mockingbird (Corrie Herring Hooks Series) [Paperback]

Robin W. Doughty (Author)

Book Description

Series: Corrie Herring Hooks Series | Publication Date: 1995

"Few birdlovers could resist this elegant volume." -- Publishers Weekly

"This is a book which might be best placed into its own category of being an 'everything you wanted to know' about the Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos, but never knew enough to ask. . . . Included in the book is not only the usual kind of information on life history and distribution, but also information on its relationship with man-- as cage bird, artistic influence, folklore and myth and as a sort of 'Everyman's hero.' All in all, a unique tribute to an interesting bird." -- Ibis

"A beautifully designed book, filled with color photographs and illustrations paying tribute to the state bird of Texas-- as well as Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi and Tennessee. . . . There's a great deal of information in this slim volume, and its attractive packaging would make it a fine gift for any birder." -- San Antonio Express-News

Since its first publication in 1988, The Mockingbird has become the bird watchers' favorite for information on one of America's most beloved songbirds.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A figure in song, stories, poetry and folklore, Mimus polyglottos (Northern mockingbird) is the official bird in five States (all in the South); with its western counterpart, M. polyglottos leucopterus , the species ranges across most of North America and is still expanding northwards. Doughty tells us about the bird's life historyits mating, nesting and feeding behavior. He describes traffic in caged birds in the 18th and 19th centuries, noting that the mocker sings well in captivity; in the same period there were numerous attempts to establish it beyond its normal range, and it is now a permanent resident of Hawaii. Doughty discusses other species of Mimus , the awesome density of M. Poly glottos in Texas, and the bird's aggressiveness; in conclusion, he examines folklore and literature. Few birdlovers could resist this elegant volume. Photos.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

Few birdlovers could resist this elegant volume. (Publishers Weekly )

This is a book which might be best placed into its own category of being an 'everything you wanted to know' about the Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos, but never knew enough to ask. . . . Included in the book is not only the usual kind of information on life history and distribution, but also information on its relationship with man--as cage bird, artistic influence, folklore and myth and as a sort of 'Everyman's hero.' All in all, a unique tribute to an interesting bird. (Ibis )

A beautifully designed book, filled with color photographs and illustrations paying tribute to the state bird of Texas--as well as Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi and Tennessee. . . . There's a great deal of information in this slim volume, and its attractive packaging would make it a fine gift for any birder. (San Antonio Express-News )

Product Details

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: University of Texas Press (1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0292715846
• ISBN-13: 978-0292715844
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,519,473 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everything you've always wanted to know about Mockingbirds.., May 15, 2000

By 

Carole Imes (Winter Springs, Florida USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Mockingbird (Corrie Herring Hooks Series) (Paperback)

A delightful book with many resplendent photographs and drawings of the "King of the Songbirds" that are certain to capture your heart. Not only is this an informative book which delves into the history and habits of this charming creature of nature, but has bits of eloquent prose and poetry tossed in as well. After you read it, you're sure to fall in love with these remarkable birds and their rapturous melodies.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Listen to the mockingbird, November 10, 2004

By 

Gary Sprandel (Frankfort, Kentucky) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Mockingbird (Corrie Herring Hooks Series) (Hardcover)

This short (80 page) book works well, because he infuses it with the joy of the mockingbird! The introduction of worldwide species of mockingbirds is well done, as are the sections on U.S. distribution and range extension. The sections on life history include great pictures such as feeding young in the nest, and a fledgling flapping to try to get off the ground. My favorite section was on the mockingbird in American Culture, and early mentions to the mockingbird include William Bartam's trip through the south east, James Fennimore Cooper, and John Burroughs. Artistically Audubon's (unrealistic) depiction of the mockingbird fending off a rattlesnake is included. Finally the book concludes with the words and music to the song "Listen to the Mockingbird". You'all can sing along now!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A short and informative account of the Mockingbird, April 25, 2004

By 

K Scheffler (Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Mockingbird (Corrie Herring Hooks Series) (Hardcover)

This short and informative book is for those who have a general interest in birds, and who want a more detailed but not scientific-jargoned account of the wonderful Mockingbird. Included are a number of beautiful photos, as well as a discussion of the Mockingbird's role in American culture and folklore.