Handbook of Bird Biology

by Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology

Call it Bird University. This gloriously illustrated volume provides comprehensive college-level information about birds and their environments in a style accessible to nonscientists and teachers the world over.
The "Handbook of Bird Biology" covers all major topics, from anatomy and physiology to ecology, behavior, and conservation biology. One full chapter addresses vocal communication and is accompanied by a CD of bird vocalizations. Produced by the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology's world-renowned Macaulay Library of Natural Sounds, the CD illustrates key elements of bioacoustics.
The book's text was written by 12 leading ornithologists and illustrated by respected photographers and acclaimed artist John Schmitt. It includes an extensive glossary and index, a list of the common and scientific names of all birds mentioned in the text, author profiles, suggested readings following each chapter, and a complete reference section.
The "Handbook" serves as the backbone of the Lab's popular Home Study Course in Bird Biology, a self-paced course that can be taken from anywhere in the world, by anyone with a serious interest in birds who would like guidance from professional ornithologists.
Comprehensive and readable guide covering all major topics
Free CD of bird vocalizations enclosed
Extensive glossary and index
List of all common and scientific names
Suggested readings
Complete reference section
Companion to the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology's popular Home Study Course in Bird Biology

Genres: Birds, Ornithology, Science, Nature, Nonfiction, Biology, Textbooks

716 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2004

Reviews

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long time bird nerd here, so imagine my joy when I found out that I could take the Cornell course on bird biology for Continuing Education Units, and increase my salary...best deal ever.

I learned so many wonderful things about birds, and I was highly motivated to complete the work.

[Nostalgia Reader]

https://archive.org/details/2016-corn...

[Maia O'Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, I learned so much about birds!

[Nancy Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the textbook for Cornell Lab's Comprehensive Bird Biology course.

[Bill Leach · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Third Edition is a super comprehensive book on bird biology, accessible to a non-technical reader.

Subject coverage includes evolution, plumage, flight, anatomy, physiology, foraging, social behavior, breeding, migration, ecology and conservation. Each chapter is divided into sections and sub-sections addressing various concepts.

Numerous examples are given to support each idea. Many illustrations and photos are included.

Reading the book is akin to a tour of the avian world, where one encounters species after species and learns of many surprising aspects of their lifestyles.

[Arthur Sperry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an amazing book with a huge amount of information on every aspect of bird biology and behavior. The illustrations are fantastic and the section on bird vocalizations is fascinating. It is accessible to the non-expert, and well worth reading for anyone with a lifelong love of birds.

[AvianBuddha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished Cornell University's online course on Ornithology, which required this textbook. Although the book is dense, it offers a thorough examination of bird biology, ranging from evolutionary history and physiology to ecological interactions and conservation issues. It is an excellent read for anyone interested in ornithology. However, the last chapter left me feeling quite disheartened:

In fact, it is estimated that 99% of all bird species that have ever lived on earth are now extinct. So, why should we be concerned about bird species becoming extinct today?

The answer is simple: the wave of extinction currently underway is occurring at a pace and scale fully comparable to the five greatest extinction episodes in the earth's history, but this sixth mass extinction is directly caused by human activities across the globe. The physical and biological changes humans have caused on earth are so profound and widespread that a new expression -- the Anthropocene -- has been coined to describe this epoch in geological terms. The worldwide spread of modern Homo sapiens has resulted in the extinction of about 8000 species of landbirds, according to recent estimates based on fossil deposits. Most biologists agree that human-caused extinction now rival those associated with the events that extinguished the dinosaurs about 65 million years ago.

The account of the passenger pigeon's extinction during the 19th century in the continental USA is truly gut-wrenching, with billions of birds ruthlessly killed without any eco-conscious regulation. Similarly, the loss of countless oceanic island birds due to invasive predators is a saddening reality. Nevertheless, the book as a whole provides valuable insights into the remarkable adaptations, familial interactions, aerodynamics of flight, feather structure, foraging behaviors, and many other aspects of bird life, highlighting the urgent need to protect what can be easily lost. I was also impressed by the book's coverage of citizen science initiatives, such as eBird, which enable anyone to contribute to the conservation of birds.

[Marcus · Rating 4 out of 5]

With covid lockdowns and no commute, it took me 3 years to complete but I’m glad I did! Detailed, comprehensive, thorough ornithological science textbook which added knowledge to my decades as a birder. Complexities are described well, excellent use of examples and ‘boxes’ for further understanding, plus copious photos and diagrams, references, links, etc.

[Stephen Hegedus]

This book feels like a textbook in that while it contains plenty of interesting information, the delivery feels a little over-simplified at times. Not to the extent that it hinders learning, exactly, just that it reminded me a little too much of grade school. It's not you, Handbook of Bird Biology, it's me...

[Dan Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took me years to get through it but finishing was worth it! This is the most comprehensive book on everything regarding birds: feathers, migration, anatomy, singing, and everything in-between. It is very well written and organized. Highly recommended.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this along with completing the Cornell online ornithology course. A wonderful resource for understanding bird biology.

[Chris Leuchtenburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readable and authoritative with wonderful photos, a must for any serious birder. But not exactly the type of book that one reads cover to cover in a weekend.

[Dirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

used it for a course, a lot of information, great pictures, very dense

[Kamel Hassn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

[Lorraine Sulick-Morecraft · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ornithology in all its feathery details