Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Birds . . . But Were Afraid To Ask

Stephen Moss answers in detail over 450 questions, submitted by birdwatchers of all levels, and in doing so he conveys a veritable feast of bird-related information in a friendly and accessible style.This RSPB-endorsed book answers all those burning questions about birds that beginners and experts alike may ask themselves as they go about their birding. How do ducks keep their feet from freezing in winter? Why don't swallows stay in Africa? Are birds really dinosaurs, or were dinosaurs really birds? How is it decided whether bird species should be 'split' or 'lumped'?Taking a 'questions and answers' approach, each specific question leads to an answer which expands the theme under discussion, so that all aspects of bird life and the hobby of birding are covered. The scientifically rigorous answers together form an impressive and fascinating body of bird-related information.This highly readable book will intrigue anyone with an interest in birds.

AcknowledgementsIntroduction1 What is a bird?2 Where do birds come from?3 How many birds are there?4 Where do birds live?5 How do birds move? 6 What do birds eat?7 Why do birds sing?8 How do birds reproduce?9 Where do birds go?10 How do we relate to birds?Bibliography