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How Birds Work: An Illustrated Guide to the Wonders of Form and Function—from Bones to Beak
Engineered by evolution to thrive in the wild
A tiny textbook to learn on your own
How Birds Work goes beyond the typical field guide to show us not only what birds look like but why. Why do many owls have asymmetrical ear openings? (Hint: It helps them pinpoint prey; see page 40.) And why does the Grey Heron rest on one leg at a time? (Hint: Not because it’s tired; see page 66!) Birds boast a spectacular array of adaptations suited to their incredibly diverse diets and habitats. In this in-depth handbook, discover the ways they’re even more astounding than you know—inside and out. Detailed analysis and illustrations illuminate:
Skeleton
Muscles
Circulation
Digestion
Respiration
Reproduction
Feathers
Colors and Patterns
And much, much more!
A tiny textbook to learn on your own
How Birds Work goes beyond the typical field guide to show us not only what birds look like but why. Why do many owls have asymmetrical ear openings? (Hint: It helps them pinpoint prey; see page 40.) And why does the Grey Heron rest on one leg at a time? (Hint: Not because it’s tired; see page 66!) Birds boast a spectacular array of adaptations suited to their incredibly diverse diets and habitats. In this in-depth handbook, discover the ways they’re even more astounding than you know—inside and out. Detailed analysis and illustrations illuminate:
Skeleton
Muscles
Circulation
Digestion
Respiration
Reproduction
Feathers
Colors and Patterns
And much, much more!
224 pages, Paperback
Published April 28, 2020
68 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 21, 2020
What a gem of a book! Easy to read, wonderful photos, lavishly illustrated, loaded with interesting information. Even after a lifetime of studying birds, I was still able to learn a lot here. It is really that good! Everything from the evolution of birds, to each of their systems (muscles, nerves, senses, etc). Highly recommend!
January 19, 2023
A no-nonsense in-depth overview of various bird anatomies, and their relationship to the environments they live in. Like a human anatomy book, it's broken down into body systems (circulatory, digestive, reproductive, etc.) with examples of how these are displayed in different species. Lots of great photographs and diagrams that helped a great deal in understanding the concepts. Some of the more detailed aspects of hormones, proteins and other microscopic anatomy went over my head, but it was easy to just gloss over those sections.
A good bare (or hollow?) bones treatment of what makes a bird a bird.
A good bare (or hollow?) bones treatment of what makes a bird a bird.
January 19, 2020
A very easy, informative book about all things avian.
Although it is very easy to read, this does not mean it was not informative, or delve into very intersting aspects of all things birds.
From their feathers, to their bones, to their eyes, there is so much to know about birds.
Great book to have around when you wonder about anything having to do with birds.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
Although it is very easy to read, this does not mean it was not informative, or delve into very intersting aspects of all things birds.
From their feathers, to their bones, to their eyes, there is so much to know about birds.
Great book to have around when you wonder about anything having to do with birds.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
May 2, 2020
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
How Birds Work is an adept technical examination of birds and the mechanisms they have developed to interact with and survive in their environment. Released 28th April 2020 by The Experiment, it's 224 pages and available in flexibound and ebook formats.
This isn't a field guide or just a collection of facts. Each of the entries contains isometric drawings and line art showing the engineering concepts and principles behind many of the functional physiological characteristics of different types of birds.
The layout is logical and easy to follow. The introductory chapter covers the ancient bird-like animals and dinosaurs - the family tree of modern day birds including convergent evolutionary lines and extinct oddities without comparable modern day equivalents. The following chapters "build up" the bird structurally from the inside out: the skeleton, muscles, nervous system, sensory organs, circulatory system, respiratory, and digestive systems and more. Each is thoroughly represented, accurate, and very well illustrated and interesting.
This would make a nice choice for all ages, bird watchers, students of nature and biology, as well as artists and readers interested in technical drawing. Note: no drawing tutorials or instructions are included, but there are numerous well illustrated exploded drawings to study.
Five stars, very impressive.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
How Birds Work is an adept technical examination of birds and the mechanisms they have developed to interact with and survive in their environment. Released 28th April 2020 by The Experiment, it's 224 pages and available in flexibound and ebook formats.
This isn't a field guide or just a collection of facts. Each of the entries contains isometric drawings and line art showing the engineering concepts and principles behind many of the functional physiological characteristics of different types of birds.
The layout is logical and easy to follow. The introductory chapter covers the ancient bird-like animals and dinosaurs - the family tree of modern day birds including convergent evolutionary lines and extinct oddities without comparable modern day equivalents. The following chapters "build up" the bird structurally from the inside out: the skeleton, muscles, nervous system, sensory organs, circulatory system, respiratory, and digestive systems and more. Each is thoroughly represented, accurate, and very well illustrated and interesting.
This would make a nice choice for all ages, bird watchers, students of nature and biology, as well as artists and readers interested in technical drawing. Note: no drawing tutorials or instructions are included, but there are numerous well illustrated exploded drawings to study.
Five stars, very impressive.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
August 16, 2020
This book was fantastic! It has chapters that cover every aspect of bird life.
We learn about how feathers help birds, about the bone structure, how birds breathe, their muscle and circulatory systems, eggs, and so much more. Every aspect of bird biology is covered in detail in its own chapter.
The illustrations are great. I found enough detail in them and each was appropriate to the accompanying text.
You don't have to be a birder to appreciate this book. Anyone who is curious about birds will find something here. It's also a good resource to have on hand if you are learning ornithology or just curious about birds in general. I think it would be a great introductory textbook for a class on birds at the high school level. It can also be used as a reference source for details about the various systems in a bird's body and how they function.
I think the only thing that I didn't like about it was that it ended so quickly. There was not really a concluding wrap-up chapter; it just ended. I thought that was rather abrupt. But it doesn't detract from the usefulness of the rest of the information in this book. Just my perception. If it is used as a reference source, then there really is no need for a concluding chapter, is there?
Thoroughly enjoyable and easy to read. Chock full of fascinating details. It held my attention and increased my knowledge of birds. Definitely worth five stars.
We learn about how feathers help birds, about the bone structure, how birds breathe, their muscle and circulatory systems, eggs, and so much more. Every aspect of bird biology is covered in detail in its own chapter.
The illustrations are great. I found enough detail in them and each was appropriate to the accompanying text.
You don't have to be a birder to appreciate this book. Anyone who is curious about birds will find something here. It's also a good resource to have on hand if you are learning ornithology or just curious about birds in general. I think it would be a great introductory textbook for a class on birds at the high school level. It can also be used as a reference source for details about the various systems in a bird's body and how they function.
I think the only thing that I didn't like about it was that it ended so quickly. There was not really a concluding wrap-up chapter; it just ended. I thought that was rather abrupt. But it doesn't detract from the usefulness of the rest of the information in this book. Just my perception. If it is used as a reference source, then there really is no need for a concluding chapter, is there?
Thoroughly enjoyable and easy to read. Chock full of fascinating details. It held my attention and increased my knowledge of birds. Definitely worth five stars.
June 16, 2020
Magnificent scientific information book about birds!
Birds are majestic and beautiful animals, they appeared on this precious planet 150 million years ago, therefore they have adapted evolutionarily to many habitats / ecosystems. We are fascinated by its ability to fly, its colorful feathers, exquisite songs. It is surprising to see how there are species with so many different habits, day and night, migratory, diver, fisher, raptor, runner, and others. They can be very smart and use tools to feed themselves. Did you know that they have more neurons and neural connections in their brains than mammals, giving them great cognitive processing power!
Marianne Taylor explains very clearly the biological characteristics that make Birds so successful. If you want to deepen your knowledge about birds, do not miss reading this magnificent book, with a fluid narrative and easy-to-understand diagrams (nothing like an overwhelming academic science book), you will understand the physiological and anatomical characteristics that allow them to be so spectacular.
My sincere appreciation to the Publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to review the book
Birds are majestic and beautiful animals, they appeared on this precious planet 150 million years ago, therefore they have adapted evolutionarily to many habitats / ecosystems. We are fascinated by its ability to fly, its colorful feathers, exquisite songs. It is surprising to see how there are species with so many different habits, day and night, migratory, diver, fisher, raptor, runner, and others. They can be very smart and use tools to feed themselves. Did you know that they have more neurons and neural connections in their brains than mammals, giving them great cognitive processing power!
Marianne Taylor explains very clearly the biological characteristics that make Birds so successful. If you want to deepen your knowledge about birds, do not miss reading this magnificent book, with a fluid narrative and easy-to-understand diagrams (nothing like an overwhelming academic science book), you will understand the physiological and anatomical characteristics that allow them to be so spectacular.
My sincere appreciation to the Publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to review the book
April 28, 2020
This is a stunning book that covers everything about birds, from their history to their feathers and everything in-between. The twelve chapters each focus on a specific area. Within each chapter there is a wealth of information in various formats. The scientific knowledge is readable and informative, not dense academic language or overly basic. The photos are varied and wonderful. The illustrations, diagrams, and charts add to each system and help to enhance comprehension. While avian focused, key science topic sidebars also help the reader learn about differences of a bird's system.
Taylor's illustrated guide covers key avian systems and helps you to understand How Birds Work. It can be enjoyed by a variety of readers -- as a picture book, as a basic text to understand key science concepts, as one to refresh memory. It deserves a space on your bookshelf. I hope to add it to mine soon.
This review was written to late April birdsong. I received an eARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for a review. The FTC wants you to know.
Taylor's illustrated guide covers key avian systems and helps you to understand How Birds Work. It can be enjoyed by a variety of readers -- as a picture book, as a basic text to understand key science concepts, as one to refresh memory. It deserves a space on your bookshelf. I hope to add it to mine soon.
This review was written to late April birdsong. I received an eARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for a review. The FTC wants you to know.
February 2, 2024
3.5/5 | How Birds Work is a short educational and insightful textbook-like manual about avian bodies down to a molecular level. The book firstly delves into the origins of the modern birds, namely, the dinosaurs, before it goes through each bodily system, which work in ways similar and different to human ones. Pictures and diagrams alongside the text help to visualize the section topics much better.
I found myself enjoying the latter chapters about plumage (how feathers get their color and their sheen, the structure of said feathers) as well as embryonic development (how eggs form and how the chicks inside them develop and set themselves free from their calcium cage) the most. All in all, the book lives up to its title, explaining the inner workings of birds without being too extensive.
I found myself enjoying the latter chapters about plumage (how feathers get their color and their sheen, the structure of said feathers) as well as embryonic development (how eggs form and how the chicks inside them develop and set themselves free from their calcium cage) the most. All in all, the book lives up to its title, explaining the inner workings of birds without being too extensive.
June 16, 2024
This is a terrific book, but it took me over a year to finish it. It's more a light reference book than something to read cover to cover. At times I thought it was mistitled -- may parts should have been called How Birds Are Built, since they emphasize anatomy over function. Parts read just like "the thigh bone connected to the knee bone..." except in Latin. But in most sections that anatomy is then connected to function in amazing ways. For example I learned how the weird structure of the lungs allows birds to fly and sing at the same time, and for some to fly at altitudes higher than Mount Everest. Or how some color comes from pigment, but much comes from the structure of feathers and how they refract light.
August 25, 2020
A beautifully illustrated and information-rich book on everything from bird flight to appearance, and all the relevant anatomy of birds, from the perspective of how form relates to function. This is an excellent resource for middle-grade students to adults.
Readers should note there is a companion book, How Insects Work: An Illustrated Guide.
Readers should note there is a companion book, How Insects Work: An Illustrated Guide.
March 28, 2022
This book covers a lot of specific details about birds. It’s easy to read, as long as you’re looking to read specific biological and scientific information about birds, how and why they are the way they are. It does have diagrams about the very specific bird things. There’s beautiful photos as well.
It’s a good reference for anyone looking to know about the inner and outer workings of birds. It’s not necessarily a page turning narration.
It’s a good reference for anyone looking to know about the inner and outer workings of birds. It’s not necessarily a page turning narration.
May 6, 2020
I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. This is a really cool book about birds and a great gift for any birdwatcher.. There’s historical information, interesting information, great pictures and excellent illustrations about birds. Kids will really like this one as will adults.
May 22, 2020
I'd definitely consider myself a birder, and I thought this was really engaging and helpful. Alongside David Sibley's new book, I think this is a great primer for casual birders to better understand the avian beauties they watch.
February 15, 2024
Very enjoyable little book that contains multitudes of good, detailed information, while still remaining relatively accessible to laymen without being condescending. Some sections felt incomplete or as though they were cut off too early but ultimately I really enjoyed this book.
May 30, 2021
As a leisure birdwatcher who wanted more information on just how birds work, this book is just great. Fills in any and all knowledge gaps on the biology of birds. Really well done.
April 23, 2022
Very informing!! I loved it
August 20, 2022
I love reading about and looking at birds! This is a great little book packed with information including things I did not know about birds and how they function.
April 26, 2025
So much good information and it’s explain very well.
June 2, 2021
A lovely book filled with carefully organized bird facts and brilliant photographs.
This is a book about birds in general, everything from the way their feathers work to their reproduction, and doesn't focus on any species of bird in particular except as interesting examples of one fact or another.
It's well organized, and manages to be both in depth and accessible to the casual reader.
There are a few sections that get pretty dry, where I think actual understanding required more page space than the book had to give, so we were mostly being given lists of names or contextless facts with nothing much to tie them to. (For example, when talking about various cell types).
But, overall this book achieves a great balance between depth and breadth and is fun to read.
This is a book about birds in general, everything from the way their feathers work to their reproduction, and doesn't focus on any species of bird in particular except as interesting examples of one fact or another.
It's well organized, and manages to be both in depth and accessible to the casual reader.
There are a few sections that get pretty dry, where I think actual understanding required more page space than the book had to give, so we were mostly being given lists of names or contextless facts with nothing much to tie them to. (For example, when talking about various cell types).
But, overall this book achieves a great balance between depth and breadth and is fun to read.
February 24, 2020
This book is fantastic! I am fascinated by the delicate beauty of birds. As far as a full knowledge of species or habits I have to admit I am not knowledgeable. This book was a treasure trove of information I truly learned so much and I really enjoyed reading this book and looking at the pictures and illustrations.
I believe this is an excellent book for any level of bird enthusiast because the detailed information is presented very well. The illustrations are beautiful and the order and way the information is presented is absolutely excellent.
This is a fascinating reference guide fir anyone interested in birdies and would be the perfect gift for bird watchers and enthusiasts alike. I highly recommend this book I loved it.
I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.
I believe this is an excellent book for any level of bird enthusiast because the detailed information is presented very well. The illustrations are beautiful and the order and way the information is presented is absolutely excellent.
This is a fascinating reference guide fir anyone interested in birdies and would be the perfect gift for bird watchers and enthusiasts alike. I highly recommend this book I loved it.
I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.
August 21, 2023
Really good book full of great information about birds. A lot that I already knew, but the refreshers was well needed. Also had a good amount of new information for me to learn! Very enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews