Hummingbirds: A Wildlife Handbook (Johnson Nature Series) (Paperback)

~ (Author) "In the western hemisphere, hummingbirds are a common sight and have figured prominently in the myths and legends of most native cultures..." (more)
Key Phrases: dull metallic green, migratory areas, baby hummingbirds, North America, South America, New Mexico (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

The hummingbird is one of the most readily identifiable family of birds in North America, and sighting one is quite exciting, a rare treat. However, the more general ornithological field guides have only limited information on these unique animals. Kim Long fills that gap with Hummingbirds: A Wildlife Handbook, part of the Johnson Nature Series. In the middle of the book is what one would expect to find in a field guide: full-color illustrations of each species (handily duplicated on the inside covers) along with charts of vital statistics and maps of hummingbird ranges in the United States and Canada. The last third of the book is more scientific information including habits, vocalization, predators, and a practical guide to attracting hummingbirds to backyard feeders. What makes this book unique, though, is its beginning. Long traces the influence of the hummingbird upon the mythologies of the ancient cultures of the Americas, with one section dedicated to the Aztecs' extensive use of hummingbird imagery. Interspersed are sidebars with various minutiae including excerpts from Thoreau, the etymology of "hum," and phonetic spellings of "hummingbird" in 36 different languages and dialects, ancient to modern. What the reader will find in this book is an exhaustive but not overburdened study of the hummingbird, as useful and interesting as it is complete. -- From Independent Publisher

Product Description

A combination of illustrated field guide, fact book, and folklore collection, "Hummingbirds" is a new kind of wildlife book. This concise, illustrated handbook presents an accurate, informative portrait of hummingbirds in their natural habitat, along with an examination of their relationship to man.

America’s most popular bird, the hummingbird is also unique to this hemisphere. Native cultures—including Aztec, Mayan, and North American Indian—have long revered this tiny creature for its amazing iridescent colors and fearless behavior. Once killed by the millions to provide feathers for European fashions, hummingbirds—noted for being the smallest birds with the biggest appetites—are now a favorite of backyard bird watchers in North America.

"Hummingbirds" is a user-friendly guide to these winged creatures, providing an illustrated examination of their behavior, biology, and individual characteristics. A practical resource for both the backyard and the field.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 182 pages
• Publisher: Johnson Books (March 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1555661882
• ISBN-13: 978-1555661885
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #586,894 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Answers all your Hummingbird questions, April 20, 2000

By A Customer

This is the best reference book on hummingbirds I own. Small enough to use as a field guide yet covers everything you need to know to study hummingbirds. Good drawings,vital statistics, and range maps of the United States Hummingbirds plus information about the hummingbird family [Trochilidae]

0 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars We Have Found Better Days!, February 17, 2004

By	Salim Chishti (New Lebanon, NY United States) - See all my reviews

Prospecting for Better Days? Feeling Blue on the Bus everyday? This little book about the colorful humming birds will brighten your day and put a twinkle in your eye! Highly recommended :-)