Birdpedia: A Brief Compendium of Avian Lore (Pedia Books) Hardcover – July 6, 2021 by Christopher W. Leahy (Author), Abby McBride (Illustrator)
$16.95

Birdpedia

Brand: Princeton University Press
Current Stock:
UPC: 9780691209661
Gift Wrapping: Gift Wrapping Available
Authors: by Christopher W. Leahy (Author), Abby McBride (Illustrator)
Out of stock
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Princeton University Press (July 6, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0691209669
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0691209661

A captivating A–Z treasury about birds and birding

Birdpedia is an engaging illustrated compendium of bird facts and birding lore. Featuring nearly 200 entries―on topics ranging from plumage and migration to birds in art, literature, and folklore―this enticing collection is brimming with wisdom and wit about all things avian.

Christopher Leahy sheds light on "hawk-watching," "twitching," and other rituals from the sometimes mystifying world of birding that entail a good deal more than their names imply. He explains what kind of bird's nests you can eat, why mocking birds mock, and many other curiosities that have induced otherwise sane people to peer into treetops using outrageously expensive optical equipment. Leahy shares illuminating insights about pioneering ornithologists such as John James Audubon and Florence Bailey, and describes unique bird behaviors such as anting, caching, duetting, and mobbing. He discusses avian fossils, the colloquial naming of birds, the science and history of ornithology, and more. The book's convenient size makes it the perfect traveling companion to take along on your own avian adventures.

With charming illustrations by Abby McBride, Birdpedia is a marvelous mix of fact and fancy that is certain to delight seasoned birders and armchair naturalists alike.

Review

"Birdpedia is an enlightening, entertaining, often witty compendium of facts and notions that includes art, literature, folklore, religion and others."---Phil Slade, Another Bird Blog

"A compendium of bird lore fun guaranteed to entertain. . . . If you relish humorous bird trivia it will tickle your sense of humour."---Eric Brown, News Shopper

"[A] sweet little book about all things bird. ... Any bird lover will want this in their library for quick reference or a delighted deep dive."---Elayna Trucker, Napa Valley Register

"[A] delightful little volume. … Every page contains something illuminating."---Elizabeth Palmer, Christian Century

Review

"This book is a banquet, each entry a delightful course. And the reader is seated right next to the party's best raconteur."―Edward S. Brinkley, author of the National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Birds of North America

"Charming and scholarly."―Frank B. Gill, coauthor of Ornithology

About the Author

Christopher W. Leahy holds the Gerard A. Bertrand Chair of Natural History and Field Ornithology (Emeritus) at the Massachusetts Audubon Society. His books include Birds of Mongolia and The Birdwatcher's Companion to North American Birdlife (both Princeton). Abby McBride is a sketch biologist. She travels globally to write and illustrate stories about ecological research for outlets such as National Geographic and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.