A fascinating introduction to birds. The first section – Evolution and Anatomy – explain “where birds came from, how they developed and what they are now . . . “. The double page spreads are well presented. I did not know that 75% of wild birds die before they are six months old. The fascinating relation between dinosaurs and birds is explored. We learn about feathers, bones, bills and bodies. In Birds in Action we see their food, their eggs and their nests. I learnt that a Kleptoparasite is an animal that steals another animal’s food, such as an eagle stealing a fish from an osprey. The hungriest bird in the world is a hummingbird. “If you were to eat 300 hamburgers it would be the equivalent of the amount of food busy hummingbirds need to consume per day to stay alive.” The Species chapter introduces us to “some standout types”. We see what makes them distinctive and look at where they live. A kestrel’s eyesight is so good it can spot a beetle from 50 metres away. Did you know that seabirds have in-built sunglasses? “Their eyes have tiny droplets of oil in their light-sensing cells. This acts as a sun filter to block out the glare from the sea.” I particularly enjoyed the section on the dodo. The dodo head and foot at Oxford University are too precious to be on display. Where they are stored is a kept secret and they are moved every few weeks to foil any would-be thieves.
The presentation us varied and appealing. The book has a clear index and glossary. I like the quiz at the back of the book. The questions have page references so we can look back if there is something we have forgotten.
Highly recommended and excellent value for money.
Brenda Marshall
Factology Birds
Button Books
ISBN 9781787081833
£12.99
Published 2025
