Understanding Bird Behavior: An Illustrated Guide to What Birds Do and Why

A vivid, eye-opening view of why birds behave the way they do

Birds  are intelligent, sociable creatures that exhibit a wide array of  behaviors―from mobbing and mimicking to mating and joint nesting. Why do  they behave as they do? Bringing to light the remarkable actions of  birds through examples from species around the world, Understanding Bird Behavior presents engaging vignettes about the private lives of birds, all explained in an evolutionary context.

We  discover how birds find food, relying on foraging techniques, tools,  and thievery. We learn about the courtship rituals through which birds  choose, compete for, woo, and win mates; the familial conflicts that  crop up among parents, offspring, and siblings; and the stresses and  strains of nesting, including territory defense, nepotism, and  relationship sabotage. We see how birds respond to threats and  danger―through such unique practices as murmurations, specific alarm  calls, distraction displays, and antipredator nest design. We also read  about how birds change certain behaviors―preening, migration, breeding,  and huddling―based on climate. Richly illustrated, this book explores  the increasing focus on how individual birds differ in personality and  how big data and citizen scientists are helping to add to what we know  about them.

Drawing on classic examples and the latest research, Understanding Bird Behavior offers a close-up look at the many ways birds conduct themselves in the wild.

• Compelling insights into bird behavior
• Classic examples and the latest research, including work by citizen scientists
• Fascinating  vignettes about the private lives of birds, from finding food and  family life, to coping with climate and other threats
• 150 detailed color illustrations and photographs