Bird Biology and Behavior Books
By Mic McCarty, Field Trip Coordinator
What makes a grackle’s feather appear black until the sun shines on it, making it suddenly appear iridescent blue? Why do some birds mimic other birds? Are birds walking on their feet or do they walk on their toes?
There are several books that delve into these questions. For a less in-depth look, check out David Sibley’s What It's Like to Be a Bird. This book is “. . . geared as much to nonbirders as it is to the out-and-out obsessed, covering more than two hundred species and including more than 330 new illustrations by the author.” Available from most book retailers, you can order an autographed copy here.
Another good read is John Kricher’s Peterson Reference Guide to Bird Behavior. “This book makes it possible to move beyond identifying birds to understanding some of the underpinning and meaning to what birds do, how they do it, and why they do it.” Also available from many retailers, Buteo Books has this and many more bird- specific titles here.
For the deep-dive into understanding bird anatomy, behavior, conservation and more, try the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Handbook of Bird Biology. Available from Amazon and other retailers, this text is “. . . a must have for every professional and amateur ornithologist or other student interested in birds and natural systems.”
With over 700 pages, the handbook includes chapters on Feathers and Plumages, Avian Food and Foraging, and Breeding Biology of Birds. In addition to the full color illustrations in the book, each chapter is supplemented with complimentary online material to help you learn more. Rich multimedia content illustrates and expands on content from the book.
For the total biology experience, you can enroll in the comprehensive online Ornithology course. Check it out at here.
