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A large-format, beautifully illustrated look at the natural history of birds

There are some 10,000 bird species in existence today, occupying every continent and virtually every habitat on Earth. The variety of bird species is truly astounding, from the tiny bee hummingbird to the large flightless ostrich, making birds one of the most diverse and successful animal groups on the planet. Taking you inside the extraordinary world of birds, What Is a Bird? explores all aspects of these remarkable creatures, providing an up-close look at their morphology, unique internal anatomy and physiology, fascinating and varied behavior, and ecology. It features hundreds of color illustrations and draws on a broad range of examples, from the familiar backyard sparrow to the most exotic birds of paradise. A must-have book for birders and armchair naturalists, What Is a Bird? is a celebration of the rich complexity of bird life.




An absorbing and beautifully presented exploration of the natural history of birds
Integrates physiological adaptations with ecology and behavior
Features a wealth of color photographs and explanatory figures
Uses scanning electron microscope imagery to provide a rare close-up view of structures not normally visible
Provides insights into our complex relationship with birds, from our enduring fascination with them to the threats they face and the challenges of conservation "This welcoming compendium is part coffee-table book and part deep dive into the science of ornithology-the team of biologist-authors, edited by biology professor Williams, elucidates all things bird."---Andrea Gawrylewski, Scientific American "Dipping into the book, you'll discover fascinating facts about a wide range of topics . . . soon you may find yourself reading straight through and learning a great deal about ornithology."---Flora Taylor, American Scientist "This is an impressive work from every standpoint, . . . The pictures alone make it worthwhile!"---David Gascoigne, Travels with Birds "[A] large, sumptuously illustrated book . . . . it's all here from down to digestion, migration to magnetic sense... everything you need, want to know or love about birds."---Bo Beolens, Fat Birder "This is a top book."---Chris Packham, Self-Isolating Bird Club

What Is a Bird?: An Exploration of Anatomy, Physiology, Behavior, and Ecology