Peterson Reference Guide to Bird Behavior

Book excerpt: This book is your key to unlocking the mysteries and complexities of bird behavior. Written in an informal, conversational style, with technical jargon kept to a minimum, John Kricher takes the "observation-explanation" approach. After noting particular behaviors that you might easily observe in the field, he explains the science and adaptation underlying those actions. Birds think; their actions are purposeful, not random. Why is that bird doing what it is doing? After a brief primer on how to watch behavior in birds and an overview of their biology, the remainder of the book highlights the most distinctive behaviors you will likely observe as you encounter and watch birds of various families. Many of these behaviors are shown in the nearly 400 color photographs throughout the book. Once you have learned how to have birds tell you about their lives by carefully observing and thinking about their actions, birds will become far more compelling than merely names to be marked on a checklist. Peterson Reference Guides offer authoritative, comprehensive information, including detailed text, maps, and superior illustrations. Written by expert authors, the guides are an unparalleled resource for understanding specific groups of animals. Book jacket.