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The Migration of Birds: Seasons on the Wing
Why do birds migrate -- and just how do they do it? The Migration of Birds is a comprehensive illustrated presentation of the mysteries of bird migration. Ornithologist Janice M. Hughes describes the findings of the most recent research and surveys as-yet-unanswered questions. She unravels the exciting contributions of cutting-edge technological innovations and scientific developments. Over 70 stunning full-color photographs show some of the world's most dauntless voyagers. Maps show migration routes, and illustrations depict the mechanics of flying. The text is engaging and straightforward as well as authoritative and comprehensive, This book will fascinate birders, naturalists and conservationists as well as general readers.
- GenresNonfictionBirdsNature
208 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
September 13, 2015
An excellent and thorough coverage of the amazing phenomenon of bird migration. Chapters on the history, the five W's, the mechanics of flight, feeding, navigation and perils of migration. Ten specific species are profiled.
The chapter on flight details the characteristics of the skeletons, musculature and feathers and how they contribute to the efficiency of flight for the lifestyle of the various types of birds. Swimming birds such as loons have a wing loading of 2.6 g/cm2 while soaring birds such as gulls are much lower at 0.4 g/cm2. (Strange statement that a swift species attains 352 km/hr in level flight) Most migrating birds fly at 40 - 70 km/hr, representing their most efficient speed.
The chapter on the mechanics of flight details the highly efficient respiratory system of birds. With air sacs on both sides of the lungs, air is moved through the lungs in only one direction. Birds also have a larger respiratory system: in ducks it represent 20% of body volume compared to 5% in humans. In one experiment, mice and sparrows were placed in a chamber evacuated to the equivalent of 6100 m: the sparrows were fine but the mice could not even move.
Birds burn fat at roughly 1% per hour so 10% body fat will provide 10-15 hrs of flight or 500 to 750 km. Feeding strategies are intrinsic to migration patterns.
Navigation is primarily done with three systems: solar, stellar and geomagnetic. It appears that their stellar orientation is by the constellations rotating within 35 degrees of Polaris.
Birds seem to have an innate navigational system based upon bearing and time of travel, that is used until a more exact migratory route is learned.
Many populations of migrating birds are declining due to habitat loss, increased predation (cats) and interference from man-made structures.
The chapter on flight details the characteristics of the skeletons, musculature and feathers and how they contribute to the efficiency of flight for the lifestyle of the various types of birds. Swimming birds such as loons have a wing loading of 2.6 g/cm2 while soaring birds such as gulls are much lower at 0.4 g/cm2. (Strange statement that a swift species attains 352 km/hr in level flight) Most migrating birds fly at 40 - 70 km/hr, representing their most efficient speed.
The chapter on the mechanics of flight details the highly efficient respiratory system of birds. With air sacs on both sides of the lungs, air is moved through the lungs in only one direction. Birds also have a larger respiratory system: in ducks it represent 20% of body volume compared to 5% in humans. In one experiment, mice and sparrows were placed in a chamber evacuated to the equivalent of 6100 m: the sparrows were fine but the mice could not even move.
Birds burn fat at roughly 1% per hour so 10% body fat will provide 10-15 hrs of flight or 500 to 750 km. Feeding strategies are intrinsic to migration patterns.
Navigation is primarily done with three systems: solar, stellar and geomagnetic. It appears that their stellar orientation is by the constellations rotating within 35 degrees of Polaris.
Birds seem to have an innate navigational system based upon bearing and time of travel, that is used until a more exact migratory route is learned.
Many populations of migrating birds are declining due to habitat loss, increased predation (cats) and interference from man-made structures.
September 19, 2013
Zugunruhe: Migratory restlessness; the state of increased activity that indicates a bird's readiness to migrate. This little very readable book explains many such concepts, tells interesting stories from history and offers thoughtful contemplation whilst describing the science of bird migration. I would highly recommend it to my birding pals and also to anyone interested in science, natural history, flying, conservation, coffee-table browsing...
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews