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.
- Features a real cloth cover with an elaborate foil-stamped design
Review
"One of American Institute of Graphic Arts’ Top 50 Books / 50 Covers of 2021"
"This dinky compendium ticks all the boxes. Compact and well-presented, it will appeal to anyone intrigued by bird life, as well as those with a penchant for attractive miniature books . . . . A finely-tuned at birding culture and etiquette."---Elizabeth Fitzherbert, The Lady
"There’s something for everyone in this approachable, compact guide. Whether you’re a new birder or a hardcore enthusiast, be prepared to plunge into a plethora of knowledge about bird species, avian research, and birding culture."---Jennifer Walter, Inverse
"[This] enticing collection is brimming with wisdom and wit about all things avian." - BirdWatching
"A fun book to dip into to impress your friends with your grasp of little-known bird facts."---Rebecca Armstrong, Birdwatch Magazine
"[A] delightful little volume. … Every page contains something illuminating."---Elizabeth Palmer, Christian Century
"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
"There are lovely pieces on dusting or dust -bathing, preening and poop, and fascinating sections on bird intelligence." - Lapwing Magazine
"[A] marvelous little book, inside and out."---Jim Williams, Star Tribune
"A pocket-sized book full of interesting facts that would delight any ornithologist.”"---P. MacDuff, British Naturalist’s Association
"Fascinating from start to finish, and just when I thought I knew pretty much everything about the life of birds . . . this 260-page book opened my eyes to learning so much more."---Neville Davies, Gwent Wildlife Trust
"Entertaining and informative new book."---Lincolnshire Bird Club newsletter, Jim Wright
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.
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