A comprehensive reference on birds discusses anatomy, flight, behavior, migration, populations, conservation, bird species, daily activities, mates and mating, and other topics YA-- Chapters in this excellent and comprehensive volume will answer hundreds of reference questions on all aspects of anatomy, flight, daily activities, distribution, migration and navigation, breeding, and conservation. Ornithologists, chiefly from the British Isles, have contributed signed articles that incorporate recent research in this readable and beautiful book. Clearly detailed scientific drawings, charts, or full-color photographs on every spread provide additional information. This is not a field guide for identification. However, it includes a survey of the orders of birds around the world that gives details about the families into which modern birds are divided. Indexes to scientific and common names, a subject index, and a glossary make this title useful for students. A reading list for further study is included. This resource will support biology courses, science projects, and the individual interests of YAs. - Betta Hedlund, Mary Riley Styles Public Library, Falls Church, VA Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. Twenty-nine experts have covered all aspects of avian biology in this fact-filled and up-to-date text-like treatise. Edited for consistency of style, all sections are commendably accessible to the novice. Unlike Facts on File's The Encyclopedia of Birds (LJ 9/15/85), which is mainly a survey of bird families, this book covers bird anatomy, physiology, reproduction, evolution, behavior, migration, ecology, conservation, and more. Top quality photographs, diagrams, charts, and maps complement the text and inserted information panels highlight topics of special interest. This is the best available single volume on this topic, invaluable for the enthusiast and fascinating to the browser. Highly recommended for general collections. See also The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Birds , reviewed on p. 134.--Ed. - Frank Reiser, Nassau Community Coll., Garden City, N.Y. Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. Used Book in Good Condition