The Secret Lives of Hummingbirds [Paperback]

David Wentworth Lazaroff (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1995

There is a sense of mystery that surrounds hummingbirds: Why are they so small? What makes it possible for them to hover? Why are they so colorful? Do they ever rest? This book gives the often amazing answers. The Secret Lives of Hummingbirds takes the reader into the high-energy world of North America's smallest bird. Hearts that beat 500 to more than 1200 times per minute. Wings that buzz at as much as 52 beats per second. And respiration that can clock in at up to 600 breaths per minute. But their energetic lifestyle is only one facet of the secret lives of hummingbirds. Illustrated with twenty-nine full-color photographs, The Secret Lives of Hummingbirds is a treat for birders, naturalists, or anyone else who can't resist the allure of these eye-catching, pugnacious miniature birds. The book also includes a close-up look at the Desert Museum's famous hummingbird aviary as well as tips on how to enjoy and attract wild hummingbirds. It's no wonder that The Secret Lives of Hummingbirds is our most popular publication!

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Even a professional ornithologist would enjoy this booklet. A surprisingly large range of topics are covered in the book, including (to list but a few) anatomy, breeding, coevolution of hummingbirds and flowers, migrathion, and how to attract the birds." --South Dakota Bird Notes (South Dakota Ornithologist's Union)

From the Publisher

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum was uniquely qualified to produce a book on this topic as we operate a world-renowned hummingbird aviary. Many previously unobserved hummingbird behaviors were first noted by staff, scientists and amateur ornithologists spending time in our aviary. This information, plus many other fascinating details about these exquisite little animals, are included in this fun-to-read booklet.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 22 pages
• Publisher: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Press (April 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1886679002
• ISBN-13: 978-1886679009
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #122,178 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #47 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Outdoors & Nature > Reference

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book!!, November 2, 2003

By 

merrymousies (Waterford, VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Secret Lives of Hummingbirds (Paperback)

I bought this book for my dad who lives in Tuscon AZ because of all the different species he has there (here in VA we're blessed with the Ruby-throated little sprites but no others). The pictures in this book are worth it alone. They're close-up and amazing! It really does give you a good peek into the lives of hummers. Highly recommend especially as a gift book for an overview of hummers (other books give more in-depth details of their real lives, miration but this gives a great overview)

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Book that Ends All Too Soon, July 9, 2006

By 

Tahir J. Naim (California, USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Secret Lives of Hummingbirds (Paperback)

The book is very readable and has lots of interesting information about hummingbirds. Makes me want to visit the museum now for a photo tour. The book is only 22 pages long, however, so be aware of that in ordering.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars AMAZING AND TRULY INFORMATIVE BOOK., September 8, 2007

By 

D. Blankenship (The Ozarks) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Secret Lives of Hummingbirds (Paperback)

You really cannot go wrong with this one if you have any interest in these wonderful little creatures what-so-ever. I have been watching, photographing, feeding and studying these little birds for years now. It is rather amazing that the author could pack so much information into one small volume and give us some wonderful photographs to boot. We here in Missouri have only the Ruby Throated, but, and I am lucky, I know, we are able to travel to other parts of the country and view other species. No matter how much you know of these birds, you are sure to pick up some new information in this work. As another reviewer pointed out, the photographs are well worth the price of the book. Recommend this one highly.