Synopses & Reviews
The aim of this book is to give a general overview of the whole subject of bird migration. After a chapter describing the Earth's climate and ecosystem, the book is divided into three main sections. The first presents the life histories and migratory habits of nine different ecological categories of birds. The second section deals with the course and timing of the flight journeys, flight behavior, fuel economy, flocking, and the hazards from disorientation and predation. The final section covers the ways that birds navigate and shows that this process is still by no means fully understood.
Review
"... presents both the basic principles and the fascinating natural history--and it does so in a style that preserves wonder and magic of its subject." Jeremy J.D. Greenwood, Nature"...well-written and well-translated; the non-academic reader will find it accessible and fascinating." Bird Watcher's Digest"A superior book on bird migration, recommended for all libraries." Choice"The book contains an incredible amount of information on avian ecology and migration....this is the most enjoyable and readable book on the topic that I have seen. I strongly urge anyone interested in migration to read it." Robert C. Beason, Journal of Field Ornithology
Synopsis
Millions of birds migrate large distances to benefit from seasonal resource surpluses and to avoid predators and competitors. This book gives a complete overview of the migration phenomenon and is the most comprehensive available. The book presents the life histories and migratory habits of nine categories of birds. The course and timing of flight journeys, flight behaviour, flocking, and the hazards from disorientation and predation are discussed, and the final section covers bird navigation, a process still not fully understood.
Synopsis
Bird migration is one of the most astonishing feats in the natural world. Millions of birds migrate, often over very large distances, to benefit from seasonal resource surpluses and to avoid predators and competitors. The aim of this study is to survey the phenomena.
Table of Contents
1. The journeys of birds and the ideas of man; 2. The rotating world of migratory birds; 3. Summer and winter quarters, Birds in wetlands, Birds which forage on lake and sea bottom, Birds which feed on terrestrial plants, Birds which feed on fish, Birds which obtain food at the water's surface, Birds of prey, Insect-eaters, Seed-eaters, Omnivorous birds, The evolution of bird migration; 4. The migratory journey, Methods of studying bird migration, Flight speed, Migration in flocks, Soaring flight, Flight altitude, Fat as flight fuel, Diurnal and nocturnal migration, Weather and wind, Dangers during the migration; 5. Orientation and navigation, The sensory world of birds, Different compasses, How do birds find the right migration route?; Bibliography; Index.