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Bird Anatomy: The Curious Lives of the World's Feathered Creatures
Not yet published
Expected 13 Oct 26With her signature whimsical style, illustrator Julia Rothman delves into the incredible world of birds, exploring everything from feathers to feeding, mating rituals to molting, and introducing readers to birds across the globe.
This irresistible illustrated guide will take you around the world to meet the fascinating feathered creatures that populate our planet. From albatrosses that drink sea water and spend months without setting foot on the ground to hummingbirds so small they weigh less than a penny, the bird world is full of astonishing animals. Filled with fascinating information on every aspect of avian life, every page of Bird Anatomy is a delightful glimpse into the wonder of nature. You'll learn how birds fly, build their nests, forage or hunt, and explore some of their most extraordinary behaviors, such as the stunning architecture of a weaverbird's nest or the Bald Eagles' daring courtship dance.
Whether you're a dedicated bird watcher with the high-powered binoculars to prove it or you couldn't tell a flamingo from a flycatchter, Rothman's vivid, whimsical illustrations will inspire, leaving you with a little more wonder and appreciation for the natural world.
This irresistible illustrated guide will take you around the world to meet the fascinating feathered creatures that populate our planet. From albatrosses that drink sea water and spend months without setting foot on the ground to hummingbirds so small they weigh less than a penny, the bird world is full of astonishing animals. Filled with fascinating information on every aspect of avian life, every page of Bird Anatomy is a delightful glimpse into the wonder of nature. You'll learn how birds fly, build their nests, forage or hunt, and explore some of their most extraordinary behaviors, such as the stunning architecture of a weaverbird's nest or the Bald Eagles' daring courtship dance.
Whether you're a dedicated bird watcher with the high-powered binoculars to prove it or you couldn't tell a flamingo from a flycatchter, Rothman's vivid, whimsical illustrations will inspire, leaving you with a little more wonder and appreciation for the natural world.
- GenresNonfictionNature
Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 13, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was given this book for free as an e-ARC through NetGalley with the expectation that I would provide my honest opinion.
I think this book is good for children. The writing itself isn't particularly special or interesting, but the illustrations are quite beautiful and I think the main selling point of the book. I do think that I learned some things, especially about nesting habits and different types of migration. However, the writing was quite dry, bland, and matter of fact. I had hoped to learn about bird anatomy in order to draw them better and perhaps creative speculative bird-like creatures for my own worldbuilding endeavors, but I don't think this is the book for this. Although it goes into some detail about the variation of feather and wing types and what they're used for, there's less than I hoped about the different muscles birds have, for example, or different organ systems which comprise their anatomy.
Still, this book is quite beautiful and although it didn't fulfill my intention while reading it, is overall a good book.
I think this book is good for children. The writing itself isn't particularly special or interesting, but the illustrations are quite beautiful and I think the main selling point of the book. I do think that I learned some things, especially about nesting habits and different types of migration. However, the writing was quite dry, bland, and matter of fact. I had hoped to learn about bird anatomy in order to draw them better and perhaps creative speculative bird-like creatures for my own worldbuilding endeavors, but I don't think this is the book for this. Although it goes into some detail about the variation of feather and wing types and what they're used for, there's less than I hoped about the different muscles birds have, for example, or different organ systems which comprise their anatomy.
Still, this book is quite beautiful and although it didn't fulfill my intention while reading it, is overall a good book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Bird Anatomy: The Curious Lives of the World's Feathered Creatures is a beautifully illustrated and informative guide to bird anatomy.
It covers everything from skeletal structure and beak types to feather structure and development. There are also chapters on flight, songs, courtship, nests, bird conservation, and other topics.
I loved the labeled anatomical drawings (colored in with acrylic gouache) and the rest of the artwork throughout.
Each page contained an interesting fact about bird anatomy with examples of specific bird species to illustrate concepts.
Information was presented in an engaging manner. I enjoyed the book so much, I read it in one sitting. However, I know I will return to the diagrams and other portions of the book at a later date because it is a good reference.
I picked up Bird Anatomy knowing quite a bit about bird biology but still found plenty to learn from this guide.
The delightful images have also inspired me to return to nature journaling.
Thank you to Storey Publishing and Net Galley for the ARC.
It covers everything from skeletal structure and beak types to feather structure and development. There are also chapters on flight, songs, courtship, nests, bird conservation, and other topics.
I loved the labeled anatomical drawings (colored in with acrylic gouache) and the rest of the artwork throughout.
Each page contained an interesting fact about bird anatomy with examples of specific bird species to illustrate concepts.
Information was presented in an engaging manner. I enjoyed the book so much, I read it in one sitting. However, I know I will return to the diagrams and other portions of the book at a later date because it is a good reference.
I picked up Bird Anatomy knowing quite a bit about bird biology but still found plenty to learn from this guide.
The delightful images have also inspired me to return to nature journaling.
Thank you to Storey Publishing and Net Galley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and all involved in getting this book into my greedy mitts.
I was drawn to this book as an artist who often enjoys birds as a subject for my work, and I was not disappointed. The illustrations are beyond charming, but also incredibly accurate to each species' specific traits and anatomy. There's a looseness to the artist's style that I really admire as an artist who is constantly trying to battle their art looking too stiff.
On top of that, this book is packed with tons of interesting information about birds delivered clearly and concisely. There's even helpful information about birding and nature journaling for beginners, which I'm finding particularly useful as someone interested in doing more plein air sketching. It's a great book for any bird lover and/or artist looking for inspiration.
I was drawn to this book as an artist who often enjoys birds as a subject for my work, and I was not disappointed. The illustrations are beyond charming, but also incredibly accurate to each species' specific traits and anatomy. There's a looseness to the artist's style that I really admire as an artist who is constantly trying to battle their art looking too stiff.
On top of that, this book is packed with tons of interesting information about birds delivered clearly and concisely. There's even helpful information about birding and nature journaling for beginners, which I'm finding particularly useful as someone interested in doing more plein air sketching. It's a great book for any bird lover and/or artist looking for inspiration.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
* This is not a field guide. It's a celebration of birds through drawing, embracing wonder over exactness.
I'm a big fan of this continued series and Julia Rothman's charming illustrations! It feels like getting to peruse a nature journal belonging to someone who is both more knowlegeable and talented than myself.
For example, I did not know geese have a full-molt and are actually flightless for 30-40 days every year (I thought they just really liked that one pond at the park every spring!!)
Perfect for budding birders, artists, art enjoyers, and nature lovers of any age!
I recieved a digital copy to review but I highly recommend getting your hands on a physical copy if you choose to check this out
Thanks so much to Storey Publishing for the digital review copy of this book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was such a fun read! I loved the plethora of illustrations. They were so colorful and helped me picture what was being talked about on the page. This book reads very easily, so if you have no background knowledge on birds, you won't be left behind! Many different topics about birds were discussed, including anatomy, feathers, habitat, diet, reproduction, and many more. I also loved all of the fun facts that were in each section, including how some birds can fly higher than Mount Everest! If you are the kind of person who likes birds or simply has an interest in the natural world, I highly recommend this book!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another absolutely stunning addition to the Anatomy series! Having researched birds in college, reading this one was extra special for me. Bird Anatomy includes information about every aspect of a bird's body and behavior. It is not meant to be a field guide, but is packed full of facts that are sure to make anyone fascinated by birds and ignite the desire to become a birder. I especially appreciated the information about bird banding, what to do if you find an injured bird, and ways readers can help birds in their own backyards. The illustrations are gorgeous and I enjoyed seeing some of my favorite birds, such as the Red-winged Blackbird and Kākāpō. The Anatomy series is very popular within the homeschooling community and I know that Bird Anatomy will be loved as well!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a neat book!! I am blown away by the beautiful illustrations. This has such a wide variety of information about birds, and it's really cool to see different comparisons between nests, feeding, mating, and more. While a lot of the information is more surface level, there's so much, it would be a very good introduction to birds for either younger people or anyone picking up birding as a hobby. I got to learn a number of fun facts from this book! I would highly recommend it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved the crisp writing, conversational tone, and great pacing of this book. I also liked the large range of topics about birds that were discussed and how Julia Rothman’s enthusiasm came through and was contagious. But the truly outstanding parts of the book are the illustrations.This book was a joy to read. Thank you to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for the advance reader copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A beautifully illustrated book filled with information about birds, from their anatomy to migration to their life cycle. Every kind of bird is mentioned, and illustrated, and there is a section at the end that details how we can help birds survive in the wild, with lots of useful information. This would make a lovely gift for anyone who wants to learn more about birds. Highly recommended!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is a short introduction to birding. The illustrations are charming and clear, giving basic information about bird anatomy and groups. It is perfect for the younger crowd who might not be familiar with where to begin or what to look for when it comes to birding.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Beautiful illustrations and interesting pieces of information spread throughout. An extremely captivating book. I feel like some of the topics could be arranged a bit better for a smoother flow.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Excellent book. Fun layout, lovely drawings and packed full of excellent information. Thank you to the author. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
full review coming later but this book is sooooooo beautiful
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews