A White Heron Bird

A White Heron

Herons, Egrets and Bitterns

This is the first book to deal exclusively with the Australian members of the Family Ardeidae. It is an easy-to-read account of their origins, classification and biology, and explains the features that distinguish them from other birds. This book covers the distribution and movements, feeding, breeding, population dynamics and conservation of the 14 Australian species. Also includes a chapter on the six species that are 'occasional visitors' to the continent.

How to Know the Birds

Become a better birder with brief portraits of 200 top North American birds. This friendly, relatable book is a celebration of the art, science, and delights of bird-watching. How to Know the Birds introduces a new, holistic approach to bird-watching, by noting how behaviors, settings, and seasonal cycles connect with shape, song, color, gender, age distinctions, and other features traditionally used to identify species. With short essays on 200 observable species, expert author Ted Floyd guides us through a year of becoming a better birder, each species representing another useful lesson: from explaining scientific nomenclature to noting how plumage changes with age, from chronicling migration patterns to noting hatchling habits. Dozens of endearing pencil sketches accompany Floyd's charming prose, making this book a unique blend of narrative and field guide. A pleasure for birders of all ages, this witty book promises solid lessons for the beginner and smiles of recognition for the seasoned nature lover.