The Biology of Birds

by John C. Kricher

A discussion of the numerous species of birds that share our world. In these lectures, Professor Kricher expands on such topics as bird anatomy, the mechanics of flight, migration, reproduction, and song. The presentation demonstrates how understanding the traits, life cycle, and evolution of birds is critical for an understanding of the origins and evolution of life on earth, and why conservation plays a vital role in the environment's delicate balance.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Audiobook, Biology, Nature, Animals

Audiobook

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

John C. Kricher, Professor of Biology, Wheaton College, Norton, Massachusetts.

Reviews

[Travis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another short, place-holder lecture series I picked up. I'm not hugely interested in birds, a fact I find highlighted by how I have relatives that set bird-feeders and enjoy bird watching, and I can just never quite get the appeal (though I do enjoy catching sight of a hawk, or crane, or other large, interesting bird). Still, I do think birds are interesting to learn about, even if I would never be interested in doing the observation that provides the basis for knowledge about them.

Although I found this lecture series interesting enough to listen to, I'm not sure how much I really retained from it. Overall, I am left with an impression of just how fragile the lives of birds are, and how much effort they focus on reproduction. There is a definite focus on North American bird species, though there is discussion of birds from around the world.

A few interesting factoids that stick with me:
-- The muscles for both lowering and raising the wings are in the chests of birds
-- The black wing tips found in many species of seabirds is apparently there in part because the dark pigment actually makes the feathers stronger and more durable
-- Certain colonial nesting birds will instinctively strike at the highest part of an invader, so you can ward off attacks simply by raising a stick above your head, which becomes the new target
-- The idea that male swifts (I think) might never land after fledging since they can do everything on the wing and don't nest; but that seems a bit dubious

I'm sure there were other interesting tidbits, but sadly not much else comes to mind that I hadn't learned before elsewhere. This is an audio only production, but I think DVD version would be very interesting if it could provide visuals of all of the birds described. Even just a little booklet included with the lectures would help a good deal.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this because I'm interested in birds. And then I asked myself, what kind of biology are you going to learn when this is an audio book and not a regular book with physical diagrams?

This is a book of lectures which are downright fun. You want to know about nests? Let me tell you about the options. And if the egg is hidden in a tree, chances are that the eggs are bright. If the eggs are more out in the open, they will be camouflaged. You want to hear about bird song? Examples are plenty.

5 stars, and if you're a birder, I recommend this book, even as an audio book.

[Dan Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a birder for a few years now and this book has given me so much more understanding regarding all parts of the lives of birds.

Definitely will read again.

[Marija S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellently informative for novices in the subject who are looking for something general to scratch the surface of ornithology with.

[Troy Blackford · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing resource for anybody interested in one of the most numerous and fascinating types of creatures on the planet today. From the extraordinary sensory perceptions of birds, to their mating habits, you'll learn a lot from this set of lectures. Highly recommended.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 5yo and I have been listening this on the drive to preschool this summer. Not quite as big of a hit as Kricher's dinosaur lectures, but still quite good. Really enjoyed listening.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some new information; I'm sure would have been more intensive in a visual format.

[Micah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learned quite a bit from this lecture series.

[DavidO]

A good set of CDs about birds. I learned quite a bit, like that one species of birds can echo locate like bats. I listened to this with the kids. I think I enjoyed it more then them because this isn't always interesting but more like a short college course on birds.