The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of the Whole Stupid World

The Field Guide to Dumb Birds #2

by Matt Kracht

This must-have sequel to the bestselling parody book The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of North America proves that all birds are fascinating, wonderful, idiotic jerks—no matter where in the world they reside.
 
Following in the tracks of the first uproarious and beloved bird book in the series, this hilarious sequel ventures beyond to identify the stupidest birds around the world. Featuring birds from North and South America, Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania, author Matt Kracht identifies the dumb birds that manage to live all over the freaking place with snarky yet accurate names and humorous, anger-filled drawings. Offering a balance of fact and wit, this uproarious profanity-laden handbook will appeal to hardcore birders and casual bird lovers (and haters) alike.

ENTERTAINING AND EDUCATIONAL: This laugh-out-loud funny spoof guide to all things wings includes a matching game, a bird descriptor checklist, and tips on how to identify a bird (you can tell a lot by looking into a bird's eyes, for example). Plus, each entry is accompanied by facts about a bird's (annoying) call, its (dumb) migratory pattern, its (downright tacky) markings, and more.
 
POPULAR AUTHOR: Matt Kracht is an amateur birder, writer, and illustrator who enjoys creating books that celebrate the humor inherent in life's absurdities. Based in Seattle, he enjoys gazing out the window at the beautiful waters of Puget Sound and making fun of birds. Other amusing titles from Matt include The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of North America and OMFG, BEES!
 

Genres: Nonfiction, Humor, Nature, Birds, Animals, Science, Art

192 pages, Paperback

First published December 21, 2021

About the author

Writer and artist, Matt Kracht is the author of OMFG, BEES!: Bees Are So Amazing and You're About to Find Out Why (Chronicle Books, March 2023), and the bestselling books, The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of North America (Chronicle Books, 2019), and The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of the Whole Stupid World (Chronicle Books, 2021).

Both books in the Field Guide to Dumb Birds series were Goodreads Choice Awards finalists in the Humor category.

Kracht lives with his wife in Tacoma, Washington, where they enjoy gazing at the beautiful waters of the Puget Sound and making fun of birds.

Reviews

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost before you read this book, please make sure your expectations are in line with what this book has to offer. I see this book as a "parody" bird guide, not to say that's the author's intention. It is hilarious if you don't take things too seriously and don't mind bad words. The title of the book should be a BIG giveaway, but if you're still unsure, I would say that if calling birds dumbf*ck or that they are weird looking sh*t hurt your feelings or make you cringe then this book is probably not for you.

This second book by Matt Kracht and is just as funny as his first The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of North America, but at a larger scale. Since I'm unfamiliar with birds from other continents besides North America, I enjoy learning about other species, their markings, behaviors, and fun facts from this book. Examples of new birds (to me) that I'm intrigued by are; Red-billed firefinch (Africa), Peruvian Sheartail (S. America), Ruddy Shelduck (Europe-Asia), and Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill (Africa). The last part of the book includes a bird drawing lesson (lol), historical artifacts, and arts with birds on them, cool!

Laugh out loud is always welcome and this book delivers. I have family members who looked over my shoulder to see what's so darn funny.🐦

Thank you Chronicle Books, and Netgalley for my ARC.

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of the Whole Stupid World
by Matt Kracht
Chronicle Books

I have to say that I read the first book and bought it. I couldn't wait for another one! This one didn't disappoint. I loved it! I kept me laughing at the silly descriptions of birds, the drawings, the added notes, and all the extra info! LOL! Having a whole world of birds to pick from really added to the fun!

Although it was hilarious, there was a bit of education in there too. I mostly just read it for the fun. I love birds and humor so this was perfect. This would be the perfect gift for animal or bird lovers. (Or for someone that just needs a pick-me-up.)

I really enjoyed the new exercises at the end of the book! That was a hoot! So funny. Will be buying this after it comes out too!
I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this terrific book!

[Geoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

The gimmick wears a little thin by the end, but the illustrations are gorgeous, some of the jokes did make me laugh, and there's actually some cool information about birds, adaptation, behavior, and birdwatching in here. I will probably buy a copy of this for my seven year old (and then wait a few years to give it to him because of the expletives!).

**Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Marianne · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of the Whole Stupid World is the sequel to The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of North America by American author, Matt Kracht. After explaining his reasons for writing the guide, Kracht goes on to criticise the accepted nomenclature system for its complexity and provides an alternative. He disagrees with the geographical regions that scientists divide the planet into, and provides his own.

He systematically insults scientists, ornithologists, bird watchers, teachers and the birds themselves. He frequently inserts expletives into his descriptions; initially this is mildly amusing, but it soon wears thin; it is likely intended to be funny and clever, but it falls short, more like juvenile comments playing to grade school boys, even including a fart joke.

Each bird monograph provides an illustration, the bird’s geographical range, and some facts about the bird, including appearance. Kracht often anthropomorphises the bird’s behaviour to justify his annoyance with it. He gives it a name using a play on the bird’s common name. The most innocuous of these is probably the Boring Chickadee (from the Boreal Chickadee).

Birds Throughout History consists of a number of photographs of artefacts including birds for which Kracht’s interpretations draw rather a long bow. The final pages include a few word games. From 23 ratings on GoodReads this book has a rating average of 3.78, so it clearly appeals to a number of readers, but this brand of humour is not for everyone.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Chronicle Books

[Philip · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun premise and just my type of sarcastic, stupid, foul-mouthed humor. But the whole thing gets pretty repetitive pretty fast, so best to read 2-3 entries at a time. That said, the individual entries are pretty good:

They're called superb fairywrens, but don't be fooled - not only are they not real wrens, but they're also not that superb. They fly around and eat insects, which you have to admit is pretty standard for a lot of birds. I guess one interesting thing is that the males have bright blue patches on their caps and cheeks, which happen to be the color of Don Johnson's powder-blue Armani suit in Season 2 of the 1980's TV series "Miami Vice." Damn, I loved that show. Except for all the fucking birds in the opening titles.

While all these descriptions include a couple of good lines, the childish puns in Kracht's renaming lost their charm after about four pages. The "Red-Breasted Nuthatch" becomes the "Red Breasted Butt-hunch;" "Green Catbird" = "Green Cat Turd;" "Northern Bobwhite" = "Northern Buttwipe…" - you get the idea. "African Suck Puppet" for "African Rock Pipit" is probably the best of the bunch; but then it's all south from there.

Anyhoo…good for a few laughs, and God knows we need those in our rapidly melting, increasingly stupid world (as noted in the title).

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, this was a lot funnier than I thought it would be. It is even a little bit educational, once you get past the cussing, sarcasm and obvious nonsense. Kracht profiles a variety of birds from around the world and gives them slightly different, insulting names that are generally filled with foul language. If you have a problem with foul language or mock insults, this won't be your book. As someone who likes birds, cussing, humor and sarcasm, I got a kick out of it. Most of these books just seem to cram cuss words in without nailing the funny part, but Kracht manages a great balance. Yes, he talks like a 13 year old but he also makes it clear that he secretly knows a lot about birds and likes them, and he's also just good at being funny (okay, especially if you can be entertained by 13 year old boy humor). I'm thinking of getting a copy for my birding husband and I'm sure my kids will also enjoy it. And yes, it gets redundant at times but even the author pokes fun of this and that adds to the appeal. And all the little extras at the end really add to the strange combination of education and parody.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book via Net Galley.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK, the thing about reading and enjoying The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of the Whole Stupid World by Matt Kracht is knowing the actual birds that the author is talking about.

When you know them, and you know what they do, it is hilarious. For example, he talks about the Scrub Jay, whom he calls the Smug Jerk. He says “Due to climate change, this smug [bird] has expanded its range from California up the western coast [...] and is now regularly disturbing the peace of my backyard with its f****ing loud, harsh call.

Another example I was able to laugh at was his description of the Red-Tailed Hawk (which he calls the Red-Tailed F***)

“Look at this [bird]. You can tell he thinks he’s some kind of hot s***, but don’t be fooled because he often gets chased around by smaller birds such as crows. “ All true. Crows and ravens do go after the hawks.

Recommend for those who love birds, and study birds, and have birds.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review

[Mackey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the first book Kracht wrote and purchased it for everyone in my family last Christmas. It was irreverent, funny and totally informative. When I saw this new book for the Whole Stupid World, I couldn't wait to get it!! It was such a disappointment. It makes me so incredibly sad to write that but it's true. There was an overload of cursing and I honestly don't mind a full share of it but this was just overkill. The humor was just bleh. In fact, it all was. I'll just stick to North American funny birds and I'd recommend you do the same. So sorry.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: ARC via Netgalley

Can I just say this is the world wide bird guide you should use?

I think birds are funny. I love sparrows. They are so cool. But let’s face it, this book is correct. Birds can be stupid little f**kers. Or at least mean ones. I have seen birds dive bomb dogs. And peacocks attack everything. Or those birds that take all the cherries off the tree before you pick them. Yes, I am bitter about that. The tree was producing fruit for two years before I even got to try one.

So yeah, birds aren’t really nice.

And this book proves that. Herein, you will discover the birds that do disgusting things with blood. There are the birds who don’t really wear shoes. The birds who think they are cool but aren’t really.

Some of the humor does get a little repetitive. The inclusion of other ways to look at birds on artwork is also quite funny.

If you are a serious birdwatcher, you might want to skip this book. But if you are like me and like birds because they can be mean little buggers, you might enjoy this.

[Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not expect to laugh so hard while learning about birds! The illustrations are great and the irreverent tone is wonderful. The facts will definitely stick with me.

This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need this man to write more books

[Rod Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

A humorous, spiteful look at birds. The main gag is that every real bird in the book has been given a new name that uses scatological or swear words, so the Eurasian Bullfinch becomes the "Eurasian Buttfinch" and the Green Catbird is now the "Green Cat Turd." Despite these mild examples, the language is very adult.

The author also goes on diatribes about how much he hates each particular bird as well as birds in general.

It's pretty repetitive, but it stays fun if doled out over many days a little at a time.

I slightly prefer Tits, Boobies and Loons: And Other Birds Named by People Who Clearly Hate Birds by Stu Royall as it mocks real bird names and makes the people who named them so poorly the butt of the joke.

[Kim Lockhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lot of fun and I recommend it if you need a chuckle, especially if you have annoying co-workers, kids, or neighbors. You can use these bird names for them.

[Avada Kaddavra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Auf Deutsch irgendwie eher langweilig, außerdem fand ich den ersten Band auf Englisch über heimische Vögel sehr viel witziger. Die Wortwitze zünden besser😂

[Joe Schenck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious. Especially when read aloud to friends.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious look at birds. Perfect for birders - new and experienced alike!

[Patience · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think I would have greatly enjoyed this book if not for the fact that it is absolutely riddled with foul language. As it is, this book is a superb illustration of the fact that profanity for its own sake (or as an attempt at humor) is simply boring, crass, and unoriginal.

[Sarah Lustrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read, although I’m concerned I’m going to use the made up names in the book instead of the actual bird names. That should make for interesting interactions..

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

“No one else will give it to you straight, and it is my mission to bring this truth to the whole world: birds are fascinating, wonderful, and stupid, and they are jerks.”

This book was utterly delightful, with bird facts, quippy commentary, and colorful illustrations. I can easily say it’s the funniest book I’ve ever read about birds, but I’m not sure how high the bar is since it’s the only book I’ve ever read about birds. All of that notwithstanding, the book made me laugh aloud several times, and I enjoyed learning bird tidbits in between laughs. Definitely recommend for bird enthusiasts and/or snarky people who like to read.

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous books with lots silly and useful information. The illustrations and artwork are wonderful as well.

[Holli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious, niche and right up my ally.

[Constance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This probably made me laugh more than anything else I've ever read. Warning: serious birders might take offense. Thank you. Michele!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sequels just never live up to the original, do they? The first book was so perfect it would be hard to top. This was still quite a hoot (pun intended) though and a fun read.

[Hamed Manoochehri · Rating 5 out of 5]

بیشتر از ۴ ستاره نمیگرفت، ولی همزادپنداری من با نویسنده در خصوص بیزاری[اغراق شده] از پرندگان باعث شد خیلی خاصیت دلگرم کننده ای برام داشته باشه.

[Andrea Batista · Rating 3 out of 5]

The perfect coffee table book 😂 really funny and surprisingly I did learn a thing or two about birds! 3.5 funniest bird book I’ve ever read, but also the only one so idk hahahahha

[Erika · Rating 2 out of 5]

Actually this book does have a major interest : it draws people who never thought they would look at birds other than annoying droppers of liquid material or loud shriekers pricking holes through your average hangover . Mpov : it could be a bait to getting more involved in these meaningful creatures who make our world even more beautiful .

[Erikka · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lost its humor pretty quickly and I found myself just flipping through. Feels like something a high schooler would create for laughs.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book isn't for everyone as there is a lot of language and sarcasm and you can't be easily offended to enjoy this book to the greatest extent. I personally thought it took a subject that could be quite boring and feel more like reading an encyclopedia on birds and turned it into something that is educational yet funny. I love the illustrations of all the birds. The description about each bird is educational yet spun in a less formal and more sarcastic manner. The slight name changes to the birds, or even the few that just have weird names, makes me laugh. Overall, this book is humorous and surprisingly full of facts too. Very enjoyable read.

[Dodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love birds and watching birds, but by the end of The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of the Whole Stupid World, Matt Kracht had worn out most of his humor. Kracht discusses his love of birding in the introduction, and how he was introduced to it by a teacher. His illustrations are wonderful, and I presume, accurate. Most of the descriptions of actual birds feature four-letter words or fart jokes, sort of like I heard in middle school.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read.

Very silly and goofy.

There were a few moments that I laughed out loud at.

Also had some good bits of actual education in it - a few birds I had no idea existed, and I thought it was pretty interesting.

I have to admit, I enjoyed this more than The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of North America.

Great.

3.8/5