Book: The Atlas of Birds

I migrate, like the birds, and am sometimes difficult to keep track of.  This book was waiting for me at my Maine location when I arrived today, having missed me in the spring by just a few days.  Since it was published in July,  I have taken the liberty of copying and pasting the review directly from the Princeton University Press, so as not to waste any more time!!  Someone you know might just enjoy this book as a Christmas gift.  So, without further adieu, may I introduce you to:

The Atlas of Birds, which captures the breathtaking diversity of birds, and illuminates their conservation status around the world. Full-color maps show where birds are found, both by country and terrain, and reveal how an astounding variety of behavioral adaptations--from flight and feeding to nest building and song--have enabled them to thrive in virtually every habitat on Earth. Maps of individual journeys and global flyways chart the amazing phenomenon of bird migration, while bird classification is explained using maps for each order and many key families.

Conservation provides a strong focus throughout, with maps illustrating where and why birds are most under threat, and what is being done to protect them. Separate sections examine key factors influencing their distribution and endangering their survival, from deforestation and climate change to invasive species and the cage-bird trade. Bird groups most affected, such as island endemics, are highlighted, while a fascinating chapter explores the complex historical relationship between birds and humans, with maps and data for everything from poultry farming to birdwatching.

The maps are supported by an authoritative text that uses the very latest data and case studies from BirdLife International. Packed with sumptuous photos, original diagrams, and imaginative graphics that bring the numbers to life, this book is a stunning and timely insight into perhaps the most colorful and intriguing group of organisms on our planet.

• The premier illustrated atlas of bird diversity, behavior, and conservation
• Features full-color maps, photos, and diagrams
• Covers bird evolution, classification, and behavior
• Describes the complex relationship between birds and their habitats
• Explores the impact of human activities on species survival
• Illustrates where and why birds are most under threat--and how to protect them

Mike Unwin is a nature writer and illustrator whose work has appeared in leading publications such as Birds, Bird Watching, and Birdwatch. His many books include the RSPB Guide to Birdwatching and Southern African Wildlife: A Visitor's Guide.

Source:  Princeton University Press