Understanding Bird Behavior: An Illustrated Guide to What Birds Do and Why

by Wenfei Tong, Ben C Sheldon (Foreword)

A vivid, eye-opening view of why birds behave the way they do



Birds are intelligent, sociable creatures that exhibit a wide array of behaviors--from mobbing and mimicking to mating and joint nesting. Why do they behave as they do? Bringing to light the remarkable actions of birds through examples from species around the world, Understanding Bird Behavior presents engaging vignettes about the private lives of birds, all explained in an evolutionary context.

We discover how birds find food, relying on foraging techniques, tools, and thievery. We learn about the courtship rituals through which birds choose, compete for, woo, and win mates; the familial conflicts that crop up among parents, offspring, and siblings; and the stresses and strains of nesting, including territory defense, nepotism, and relationship sabotage. We see how birds respond to threats and danger--through such unique practices as murmurations, specific alarm calls, distraction displays, and antipredator nest design. We also read about how birds change certain behaviors--preening, migration, breeding, and huddling--based on climate. Richly illustrated, this book explores the increasing focus on how individual birds differ in personality and how big data and citizen scientists are helping to add to what we know about them.

Drawing on classic examples and the latest research, Understanding Bird Behavior offers a close-up look at the many ways birds conduct themselves in the wild.

Compelling insights into bird behavior
Classic examples and the latest research, including work by citizen scientists
Fascinating vignettes about the private lives of birds, from finding food and family life, to coping with climate and other threats
150 detailed color illustrations and photographs

Genres: Science, Birds, Ornithology, Nature, Biology, Animals

224 pages, Hardcover

Published September 22, 2020

Reviews

[Patricia Hilliard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many people who are new to bird watching frequently ask, “Why is that bird doing this?” The book with the answers is Understanding Bird Behavior: an Illustrated Guide to What Birds Do and Why by Wenfei Tong, (Princeton University Press – August 2020). By writing this book, the author hopes to expand your appreciation of birds. An apology is given in the book for the anthropomorphic views, but this works best for understanding how birds and humans are so much alike. In spite of this, there is much scientific information that will enlighten even the most elite birder.
This is not a child’s book of birds. Various terms can be challenging to the average beginner birder. Words and phrases like: pygostyles, “marked spatial segregation,” mutualisms, hoatzins, parasitism and others can be overwhelming. Still, the various behaviors of birds that are demonstrated by this book can be fascinating. An examples is the effect of DMS on birds at sea. Or, did you realize your bird feeder is changing the evolution of birds?
Birds from around the world are used as samples. The book has detailed explanations about body size, bill size and adaptations, like the detailed explanation of cross-bills. But this example of cross-bills shows the evolutionary process and the ability to adapt to environmental changes, which gives hope as we consider our changing climate.
The book challenges some long standing bird-watcher urban myths. Such as Darwin’s study of finches to MacArthur’s 1950 study of where warblers feed in the tree structure, or the idea that birds and animals “help” each other as if in a Disney cartoon. Advanced birders often argue that birds cannot smell or taste sugar and that birds cannot use tools. Some argue that female birds don’t sing. Really? The book offers a second look.
The daily lives of birds is examined in regard to relationships and social status. These are compared to human societies and social structures. The big brain theory is challenged by our bird-brained friends. Birds redefine the family as they adapt and survive in their various habitats. Birds called “anis” provide a different view of egg production from the one we all hold dear of the American Robin sitting alone in the apple tree on its mud bowl nest.
Fashion in the bird world is worth considering but who would expect it? Long tails, bright red colors are all signs of good health. Which came first the feather display or the feather of flight? Why do mallards fight so much during mating? The book brings the reader up to date with new understanding of what’s going on with the birds. It refers to studies done by numerous scientists that include their recent discoveries. If you really want to understand birds, be sure to get a copy of this book.

[William Kelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

An almost textbook-like overview of bird behavior, made up of a series of articles each dedicated to a specific habit or group of habits. A good follow-up to Birdpedia, a little more in depth but fewer topics covered overall, as the focus here is exclusively behavior. A good book for increasing conversational literacy in ornithology.

[Paul Bourbin]

A book for bird fanciers.

A very good book for anyone interested in lives and habits of birds. Well written and illustrated and pleasant to read.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was published in the United Kingdom as “How To Read a Bird” and my review appears under that title.