Hummingbirds: A Celebration of Nature's Jewels

by Glenn Bartley, Andy Swash, Patricia Zurita (Foreword)

A stunningly illustrated guide to the wonderful world of hummingbirds

With their glorious colors, glittering iridescence, astonishing powers of flight, and many characteristics unique in the world of birds, hummingbirds are extraordinary―true jewels of nature. This beautiful book is a celebration of all aspects of hummingbirds and their world. It features hundreds of the most spectacular photographs of hummingbirds ever taken, exquisite illustrations, and a lively, readable text that presents the latest scientific information and includes up-to-date details about every species.

A familiar sight across much of the Americas, hummingbirds have long captured the imagination and played an important part in myths, legends, and other aspects of human culture. Today, hummingbirds are among the most popular of all birds, sought after by serious and casual birders alike. They inspire questions in anyone lucky enough to see them. How can they fly like that? Why are they so colorful? How many are there? Where and how do they live? How do they survive? This book answers these and many other questions, providing an enlightening and enjoyable guide to hummingbirds that can only deepen their wonder.

Genres: Nonfiction, Birds, Nature

288 pages, Hardcover

Published July 26, 2022

Reviews

[PepeC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simplify magnificent. I enjoy the book's mix of hard science (lots of graphs, explanations of basic science) and gripping narrative. It reminds me of the brilliant intro chapters to each order in Handbook of the Birds of the World, or the 1491/1493 books by Charles Mann. The photography is absolutely stunning. A must for any bird aficionado interested in getting deeper into hummingbirds

[Neil Pasricha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hummingbirds evolved 40 million years ago. They can fly forwards, backwards, and upside down. They have the highest metabolic rate of any animal. They zip across the Gulf of Mexico without a pit stop and burn half their body weight in the process. They are the only birds with umami taste receptors. And there are 350 different species of them – making them the second largest bird family after Flycatchers. And, get this, they exist only in the “new world” – from the tip of Alaska to the tip of Patagonia. They want no part of oceans. And nobody’s smuggled a sack of them to New Zealand. Europeans, Asians, Africans, Australians? You’ll have to visit to witness the stunning beauty of Tufted Coquettes, Green-Tailed Sunbirds, Marvelous Spatutails, Ruby Topazes, or White-necked Jacobins. Or, you know, just buy this book. Highly recommended.

[Ellen Schoener · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning and beautiful.

I have seen these birds myself on the terrace of my US uncle, and spend hours just watching them. It was hypnotic. For years, I wanted to learn more about these birds.

The book is full of wonderful pictures of these amazing birds, showcasing their beauty and splendor.
There is also a lot of great information and for someone who is casually interested in birds, it is just great to take all of it in.

This is a book I will get out again and again, just to marvel at these birds. A treasure on my book shelf.

[Denise Chojnacki · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very comprehensive book on hummingbirds with beautiful photos. For me, it was almost too much information and I skimmed a lot of it. Did like the Photography Journey toward the end. Also, I really liked the way they laid out the species and subspecies in the end with photos.

[Mo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved all the photos. Didn't realize there are so many different varieties of hummingbirds!