Peterson Reference Guide to Bird BehaviorA fascinating look at what birds do and why they do it Both casual and serious birdwatchers can take their skills to the next level with this detailed consideration of bird behavior. This book makes it possible to move beyond identifying birds to understanding some of the underpinning and meaning to what birds do, how they do it, and why they do it. Written in an easy-to-understand style, with an abundance of photos illustrating the behaviors, the book shows how flight, molt, migration, feeding, predation, social behavior, courtship, and nesting shape birds' behaviors. Birds are everywhere, and easy to observe; this introduction to elements of bird behavior will connect readers more intimately with these remarkable and beguilingly perceptive animals. |
Contents
1 How to Use This Book | 7 |
2 Learning to Watch Birds Behave | 11 |
Anatomy and Physiology | 19 |
4 A Perspective on Bird Behavior | 37 |
5 A Birds Brain and Senses | 49 |
6 Understanding Bird Diversity | 65 |
7 The Annual Cycle of Birds | 79 |
8 Feathers and Flight | 85 |
12 Provisioning and Protection | 165 |
13 The Auditory Bird | 203 |
14 Real Estate Mate Attraction and Pair Bonding | 221 |
15 Nesting Behavior | 243 |
16 Migratory Behavior | 271 |
Back Matter | 303 |
Back Flap | 349 |
Back Cover | 350 |
9 Maintenance Behavior of Birds | 107 |
10 Temperature and Bird Behavior | 129 |
11 Social Behavior | 147 |
Spine | 351 |
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Common terms and phrases
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