This beautiful and inspiring book tells the stories of 80 birds around the world: from the Sociable Weaver Bird in Namibia which constructs huge, multi-nest 'apartment blocks' in the desert, to the Bar-headed Goose of China, one of the highest-flying migrants which crosses the Himalayas twice a year.

Many birds come steeped in folklore and myth, some are national emblems and a few have inspired scientific revelation or daring conservation projects. Each has a story to tell that sheds a light on our relationship with the natural world and reveals just how deeply birds matter to us.

With an introduction from Michael Morpurgo

The boy untied the sack and, to everyone's amazement, out tumbled a little furry bear cub...

Have you heard of mountain-climbing elephants?
Could a brave dog make a parachute jump?

Featuring over thirty true tales of incredible animal heroes, uncover the stories of:

Heroic bears
Drone-catching eagles
Diving dolphins
Sassy cats
And much, MUCH more!

This book brings you the heart-wrenching real stories of the animals who traversed treacherous paths, made daring rescues and went above and beyond to save human lives.

When caught in human conflicts, these animals have all shown bravery, friendship, or brought comfort. Journey throughout history from Hannibal's elephants to a guide dog in the Twin Towers - and uncover 34 amazing animal stories.

A stunning and authoritative full-color atlas of the world's birds

The Atlas of Birds captures the breathtaking diversity of birds, and illuminates their conservation status around the world. Full-color maps show where birds are found, both by country and terrain, and reveal how an astounding variety of behavioral adaptations—from flight and feeding to nest building and song—have enabled them to thrive in virtually every habitat on Earth. Maps of individual journeys and global flyways chart the amazing phenomenon of bird migration, while bird classification is explained using maps for each order and many key families.

Conservation provides a strong focus throughout, with maps illustrating where and why birds are most under threat, and what is being done to protect them. Separate sections examine key factors influencing their distribution and endangering their survival, from deforestation and climate change to invasive species and the cage-bird trade. Bird groups most affected, such as island endemics, are highlighted, while a fascinating chapter explores the complex historical relationship between birds and humans, with maps and data for everything from poultry farming to birdwatching.

The maps are supported by an authoritative text that uses the very latest data and case studies from BirdLife International. Packed with sumptuous photos, original diagrams, and imaginative graphics that bring the numbers to life, this book is a stunning and timely insight into perhaps the most colorful and intriguing group of organisms on our planet.

• The premier illustrated atlas of bird diversity, behavior, and conservation
• Features full-color maps, photos, and diagrams
• Covers bird evolution, classification, and behavior
• Describes the complex relationship between birds and their habitats
• Explores the impact of human activities on species survival
• Illustrates where and why birds are most under threat—and how to protect them