Ruby-Throated Hummingbird (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Within the ranks of the hummingbird family are the smallest birds on earth..." (more)
Key Phrases: defending male, hummingbird species, immature birds, United States, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, North America (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Irresistible to bird-watchers and nature lovers." -- Booklist, 4/1/98

"It is hard to categorize these books. They are detailed life histories, not quite monographs but far more than typical one-species books for general audiences. If they were larger, and hardback, they would be coffee-table books, too well-written and too informative to be merely pretty picture books. Whatever they should be called, they are successful and should be read. I look forward to others in the series." -- Eirik A. T. Blom Bird Watchers Digest, March/April 98

Product Description

105 color photos, 7 x 9
Complete life cycle and behavior of a favorite backyard visitor
Full-color images from leading outdoor photographers
Praise for Stackpoles Wild Bird Guides

"Although the books are packed with information, the writing is clear and direct and accessible to bird watchers at every level. . . ."

Even those intimately familiar with the birds will find a great deal of new information here, and those who have only a passing acquaintance with them will find these books a valuable resource and a pleasure to read. The photographs, chosen to illustrate plumages and behaviors, are uniformly excellent, and many of them are stunning. . . .

This sixth book in the Wild Bird Guides series offers a detailed look at all aspects of this popular species, including communication, migration, diet, nesting, brooding, and the hummingbirds unique method of flight, all illustrated in brilliant color photographs.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 85 pages
• Publisher: Stackpole Books (August 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811726886
• ISBN-13: 978-0811726887
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #803,268 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Like hummingbirds? This book is a MUST!, August 17, 2001

By A Customer

If you're interested in ruby-throated hummingbirds, this book is definitely a must for your collection. Loads of information that is easy to understand and absorb. The photos are superb! To me, it's my "ruby-throated bible". Answers multitude of questions one may have regarding migration, feeding, courtship, etc. What a nice addition to my library! You'll enjoy it too!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great photos, wonderful content--a must-have, June 3, 2004

By	Gwyneth Calvetti (West Salem, WI United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The ruby-throated hummingbird and I have quite the adversarial relationship. My stories of hummingbird encounters are becoming almost mythic in proportion, as I wage my battle to capture *the* perfect hummer photo. I have learned that unlike their Hollywood image as little gems from heaven, they are really rather nasty at times, especially to those of us wanting to photograph them! Mr. Sargent knows this, as is evident in his well-written text describing the behaviors of this bird. He uses words such as "mean spirited," "hot tempered" and "little bullies." I have seen all of these descriptions in action. This is part of what makes this book so enjoyable, because along with providing a wealth of detailed information about all aspects of the bird's life cycle, he does it with an endearing and humorous slant, showing at once his admiration for and understanding of the hummingbird's nature.

The photos that accompany the text are the ones I wish I could take, showing the ruby-throat in fighting trim as well as bedraggled from migration. I can only guess how many frames were taken to get the many included in this comprehensive book. In my dogged attempts to get even ONE photo this good, I've read every book I could find on hummingbirds, particularly the ruby-throats. This is by far the best one I have found. Not only does it inform, it always entertains, a rare combination in a birding guide.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bob Sargent Shines, September 11, 2006

By	Diane B. Callahan (Germantown, tn United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I just met Bob at the Audobon Hummingbird Festival near Memphis. He bands over 800 birds a year, and is such a giving caring man. Proceeds from this book help the Hummingbird cause. Fabulous pictures and full of information.