Customer Reviews

Ornithology

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This superb book was such fun to read and it is packed full of interesting and thought-provoking information. Space prohibits a chapter-by-chapter review so I will list the things in the book that I found very interesting: 1. The plumage color patterns of dawny young shorebirds. 2. DNA hybridization experiments and evolutionary tree of herons. 3. Geese flying in formation to save energy. 4. The use of thermals by a gliding vulture to counteract sinking. 5. The unique landing abilities of birds: rotation of center of mass upward to stall directly over the landing site. 6. Vortex creation by beating wings of pigeons and kestrels. 7. Respiratory abilities of birds. 8. High metabolic rates of frizzled chickens. 9. Discussion on avian intelligence. 10. The detection of natural magnetic fields using rhodopsin. 11. Use of echolocation for navigation; asymmetry of ear placement in the owl to pinpoint sound source. 12. The avian taste for chili peppers. 13. Birds having two independent voices. 14. Individual spacing behavior while perching. 15. The nests of swallows reflecting their evolutionary history. 16. Insurance egg laying by penguins and boobies.17. The restoration of the peregrines. 18. The illustrations of the birds of the world in the appendix. 19. The enormous bibliography. This is definitely a book to be read by students and those interested in ornithology. An incredible book.......

I searched for a textbook on ornithology that I could use in association with the Bird Biology Home Study Course that I was planning to take through Cornell University. I found the textbook at Amazon.com. The information in this textbook is absolutely wonderful! Frank Gill presents an "encyclopedia" of information in an easy-to-read, comprehensible format. Anyone interested in the serious study of bird biology will want to add this textbook to his or her bookshelf. Within the next few months, I will reread this textbook again. How many textbook readers can honestly state that they would reread any textbook in its entirety? Every chapter intrigued and delighted me. I will be actively searching for more books by Frank Gill, based upon the presentation of materials in Ornithology, 2nd edition.

Gill's book provides an indepth coverage of many topics important to the field of Ornithology. The illustrations clearly reinforce material in the text. I especially like the introductory paragraphs at the start of each chapter, they really set a nice tone for the material to follow. If you are looking for a good introductory or refernce text to enhance your ornithological knowledge, consider Gill's text.

The book is without doubt the best ornithology textbook in existance. While this may be aided by the fact that it is virtually the only one there is out there, it is accurate, comprehensive and user friendly. my main problems are that it is starting to be a little dated, and of course - the price.

Wow! I was knocked out when I received this book. I was afraid it would be far too technichal, and geared exclusively for biologists and zoologists. It is actually written for undergraduate level students interested in bird behavior and physiology. I highly recommend this book, but beware! This is not some light reading! It's a very serious text, but very readable and well illustrated. Love it!

Wow! How our knowledge of birds has increased over the past decade since the last edition! Written with charm and warmth, flows well with loads of details; this book is a must for the shelf of every bird enthusiast whether professional or kitchen feeder watcher. Only complaint: I wish this Edition III had the engaging taxonomy section (at end) of the older editions, updated with all the new revisions in bird relationships hinted at in the previous editions. My copy doesn't have the promised CD of that section. The cover is stunning - out of the gloom of night comes a Barn Owl to pounce the author! - worth the price only. Some color photos of spectacular birds and their actions inside would brighten the inside.

It is more "scientific" that Cornel Lab's "Handbook of bird biology". Chapters 16 through 21 are the most iteresting for ecologists and evolutionary biologists. Is is usefull for teaching on higher education level.

It was my ornithology text book. This covers everything that any bird enthusiast would ever want to know including anatomy, evolution, adaptations and species specific info. I would definitely recommend it!

A year ago my understanding of birds amounted to ones that go in water, black ones, and sparrows. We now live next to a large pond that is bursting with bird life, and we love to watch them. Binoculars and a guide book have made us amateur birders, but Gill's book is what has taken it to a new dimension of understanding. It is well written and reads easily. It is organized such that you can find quick answers to specific questions. It feels like we have the difinitive work on birds sitting at our fingertips, and we love it. Definitely a "must buy" for anyone who wants to have a better knowledge of these fascinating creatures. Ken Yaw

This book is written in a very understandable way with relevant and interesting information. It is a tad pricey, especially considering that the pictures are all black and white, but it's well worth it. Definitely worth the buy for beginners and those that want more in depth knowledge.