Why Do Birds Do That?: Over fifty answers to the most often asked questions

by Gráinne Cleary

An entrancing, informative book filled with answers to many of the common questions we ask about birds and their lives.


For thousands of years birds have fascinated us. We've observed what they do - their behaviours, their characteristics, their survival skills, the food they eat and their habitats - and wondered why they do it.


Why Do Birds Do That? answers many of these often-asked questions, such Why do birds sing in the mornings? Why are some birds so colourful and others are not? Why do starlings form murmurations? Why do birds have 3 eyelids? and Why do birds attack their own reflections?

In an easy-to-find question & answer format, Why Do Birds Do That? provides fascinating and comprehensive information about the birds we watch every day.

If you have ever wondered why birds behave as they do, you will find the answers in this book.

Genres: Nonfiction, Birds, Nature, Animals, Science

288 pages, Paperback

Published October 5, 2022

Reviews

[indy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm reluctant to critique this book, because the subject matter is dear to my heart and it was a gift. But Cleary's work is confused about its audience. The writing alternates between condescending and overly academic. Some scientific terms are explained for laypeople, but occasionally the author slips into academese. Cleary wraps up a topic just as things are getting interesting! Many chapters end with a trite, childish phrase, like "Aren't birds magic?" Borrow the book and learn a few things, then send it back to the library.

[Matthew Tyas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd say this is a book better suited to referencing than reading cover to cover. There's lots of interesting different articles answering a lot of different questions about birds, but there's very little flow between them.

I think it is a little more complex than I was expecting from it, more scientific than popular science, though definitely approachable and full of fascinating facts.

If you like birds you should get it, but read it at your own leasure, picking out the chapters that sound most interesting to you.

[Rhoda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Allen and Unwin for sending me a copy of this book to review!

If you’re a bird nerd like me then you will have no doubt had countless questions run through your head as you have observed birds. This book answers all your burning questions and more, including: Why do parrots dance to music? Why do ibises eat rubbish? And of course: Why do seagulls steal our fish and chips? 😂

This book answers all these questions and many other more serious questions and provides information based on research and studies into various birds, their behaviors, habitats, migratory paths and so on.

At times it can read a little “science-y” for the layperson, but overall this is a very readable and informative book for the avid bird nerd. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

[Veronica ⭐️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed on my blog by two young bird watching enthusiasts.
https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admire birds' ability to fly half way around the globe. This book helps explain how they achieve these remarkable feats. The only criticism I have is I needed frequent reference to the dictionary!

[hjoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice to pick up and flick through to a topic that takes your fancy. Husband and I had it on the table at dinner and took turns picking topics! Not the type you’d read cover to cover.

[Rudi Opperman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A diverse range of facts on all kinds of birds.

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and well researched. Good to have research articles clearly annoted. She writes well in a largely accessible manner for non-ornithologists of us!

[Samantha India-Anne]

I loved this book, would highly recommend for all bird enthusiasts