Manual of Ornithology: Avian Structure and Function (Paperback)

~ (Author), Mr. Patrick J. Lynch (Author) "Since the earliest humans first recognized birds as a separate life-form, birds have been inextricably woven into the fabric of human life..." (more)
Key Phrases: major flight feathers, feather papilla, auricular feathers, New York, Rock Dove, North America (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The aim of this book is that of an undergraduate textbook-laboratory manual combination on ornithology. A chapter on field techniques offers a crash course in bird study in the wild and presents new and important information on avian migration. The rest of the book details bird anatomy, physiology, and classification. Over 200 quality labeled drawings, many unique in their lifelike perspective, dovetail with the text, thereby serving to clarify difficult information. Suggested hands-on exercises require the examination of dead birds, affording the motivated reader practical experiences. The book provides an accurate, up-to-date, self-contained course in ornithology for the advanced lay reader. General collections would be better served by the more inclusive The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Ornithology ( LJ 12/1/91). This is recommended for academic libraries.
- Frank Reiser, Nassau Community Coll., Garden City, N.Y.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Description

This book-a visual guide to the structure and anatomy of birds-is one of the most heavily illustrated ornithology references ever written. A concise atlas of avian anatomy, it contains more than 200 specially prepared, accurate, and clear drawings that include material never illustrated before. The text is as informative as the drawings; written at a level appropriate to undergraduate students and to bird lovers in general, it explains why birds look and act the way they do.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Yale University Press (October 11, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0300076193
• ISBN-13: 978-0300076196
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #237,596 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars good source for avian physiology, January 12, 2000

By	Julie A. Stonefelt (United States) - See all my reviews

This book is excellent for ornithology students and backyard birders alike. It has many detailed illustrations of the skeletal, muscular, and other internal systems of birds in general. The text gives general information on each system and then more detail on specific parts. I especially like the sections at the end on binocular use and study skin preparation

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent drawings, clear text., April 23, 1999

By A Customer

If you have only one textbook about birds on your bookshelf, choose this one. The text is easy to understand, and the illustrations are remarkable. It is now available in a less expensive paperback version, also available at Amazon.com.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a great teacher, May 25, 2005

By	M. Lefebvre "yay for books" (Montreal, Qc) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a great overall look into the evolution and biology of birds. I'm using it as a prep for some ornithology and biology courses at university. The book goes through evolution, systematics, biology, physiology, etc. I highly reccomend it for anyone needing to do some brush up work, or as an introduction to many of the topics I've mentioned above. I think it should pretty much be a standard for anyone interested in birds...Hooray for this manual!