With her signature whimsical style, illustrator Julia Rothman delves into the incredible world of birds, exploring everything from feathers to feeding, mating rituals to molting, and introduces readers to birds across the globe.
This irresistible illustrated guide takes you around the world to meet the fascinating feathered creatures that populate our planet. From albatrosses that drink sea water and spend months without setting foot on the ground to hummingbirds so small they weigh less than a penny, the bird world is full of astonishing animals. Filled with fascinating information on every aspect of avian life, every page of Bird Anatomy is a delightful glimpse into the wonder of nature. Learn how birds fly, build their nests, forage or hunt, and explore some of their most extraordinary behaviors, such as the stunning architecture of a weaverbird's nest or the Bald Eagles' daring courtship dance.
Whether you're a dedicated bird watcher with the high-powered binoculars to prove it or you couldn't tell a flamingo from a flycatcher, Rothman's vivid, whimsical illustrations will inspire, leaving you with a little more wonder and appreciation for the natural world.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Chapter 1: Birds-Eye View
Classification - Anatomy of a Bird - Inside a Bird - The Singular Syrinx - Superstar Vocalists - Bird's-Eye View - Fly by Night - Anatomy of a Bill - Beak Shapes - Types of Bird Feet - Caruncles: Combs, Wattles, Snoods, and Dewlaps - Topknots, Horns, and Knobs - King Vulture
Chapter 2: Winging It
Kinds of Feathers - Anatomy of a Feather - Pretty Plumage - Feather Care - Sunbathing and Bathing - Tail Feathers - Long Tails - Kinds of Wings - Albatross - Incredible Wingspans - Flying - How Birds Fly - Kinds of Flight - The Highest Fliers - Flying Feats - Hummingbirds - Flocks and Formations - Canada Goose - The Company They Keep - Murmurations - Migration - Kinds of Migration
Chapter 3: Early Bird Gets the Worm
Where Birds Live - What Birds Eat - Shoebill - Catch and Carry - In Search of a Meal - Eleven Birds of Prey Around the World - Woodpeckers
Chapter 4: A Rare Bird
Songs vs. Calls - Bird Mnemonics - Beyond the Syrinx - Vocal Mimicry - The Loneliest Bird in the World - How Birds Hear - Bird Crests - In Full Color - Who Wears It Better? - A Full Spectrum of Plumage - Penguins of the World - Parrot Fashion - Peacocks - Iridescence - Birds-of-Paradise - Courtship - Mating - Mating for Life
Chapter 5: Feather Your Nest
Nest Shapes and Kinds - Common Natural Nest Materials - Kleptotrichy - Egg Eaters - Notable Nests - Weavers - Sociable Weavers - Making Eggs - Eggs at Actual Size - Atricial vs. Precocial - Fluffy Fledglings - How Birds Tend to Their Young - Kinds of Feeding
Chapter 6: A Little Bird Told Me
Threats to Birds - Choosing Conservation - Habitat Loss - Climate Change - Pollution - Birds That Beat the Odds - New Zealand - How Birds Get Tagged and Tracked - Five Questions for an Ornithologist - Legendary Birds - Famous Birds - Fancy Pigeons - What to Do If You Find an Injured Bird - Ways You Can Help Birds - Supporting Birds
A Note About Our Process
"Rothman explores the world of birds with lovely, curious wonder. The fun and unusual details throughout this book -- who knew that a Burrowing Owl surrounds its nest with coyote scat to attract tasty dung beetles? -- are presented with charming illustrations and fascinating snippets. Each page brings a smile. This book is perfect for anyone with a cozy interest in learning about the world's feathered creatures."-- Noah Stryker, author of Birding Without Borders and The Thing with Feathers
"Packed with bright, beautiful illustrations, Bird Anatomy is a charming overview of the avian world."-- Rosemary Mosco, author of A Pocket Guide to Pigeon Watching
Illustrator-author Rothman turns her whimsical eye to the world of birds in this marvelous introduction to avian life ... Full of cool facts and oh-wow moments, this is a book for both seasoned birders and those just starting out of all ages. Rothman's art makes even the driest facts a feast for the eye.-- Booklist, starred review
"A treasure trove for bird buffs and beginners, Bird Anatomy explores the wonders of our favorite feathered friends. Julia Rothman's energetic illustrations capture the personality and unique features hundreds of different species, highlighting the extraordinary world of birds. It is both informative and beautiful, full of intriguing facts and charming paintings in an easy-to-read format. When I am asked why I love birds, I will only need to show this magnificent book." -- Jessica Roux, New York Times bestselling illustrator, and author of Ornithography
Julia Rothman is a highly acclaimed contemporary illustrator and author of many best-selling books, including Nature Anatomy, Farm Anatomy, Ocean Anatomy, Food Anatomy, Nature Anatomy Notebook, Wildlife Anatomy, and Insect Anatomy. Her illustrated column, Scratch, ran for five years in the Sunday New York Times. Clients for her illustrations and pattern designs include Target, the Washington Post, MTA Arts & Design, and more. She lives and works in Brooklyn, New York.