Beaks, Bones, and Bird Songs

"Birds have conquered every environment on Earth?including our hearts. This book reminds us that our fates are intertwined with theirs." ?Gary Langham, chief scientist, National Audubon Society An engaging, informative narrative that explores how and why bird behavior is continually evolving. 'Beaks, Bones, and Bird Songs' guides the reader through the myriad, and often miraculous, things that birds do every day merely to stay alive. Like the goldfinch, who manages extreme weather changes by doubling the density of its plumage in winter. Or urban birds who navigate traffic through a keen understanding of posted speed limits. In engaging and accessible prose, Lederer shares how and why birds use their sensory abilities to see ultraviolet, find food without seeing it, fly thousands of miles without stopping, change their songs in noisy cities, navigate by smell, and much more. SELLING POINTS: ? BIRDERS ABOUND: This engrossing narrative will appeal to the general birdwatching audience and more experienced birders who buy every book on the topic. ? AN ACCESSIBLE VIEW ON BIRD BEHAVIOR: Most books on bird behaviour are either in depth species-by-species field guides or inaccessible to the average birder; this book is an easy, enjoyable read that covers bird behaviour across a wide variety of species. ? POPULAR SCIENCE SELLS ? EXPERT AUTHORSHIP: Lederer is the founder of the very popular website ornithology.com, which is regularly listed as one of the top sites for birders. 96 b/w photos and illustrations