Bird Migration

The most comprehensive book available on the phenomenon of bird migration.

Thomas Alerstam (Author), David A. Christie (Translated by)

9780521448222, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 25 March 1993

432 pages, 139 b/w illus.
24.6 x 19 x 2.3 cm, 0.92 kg

'The book is packed with information, fascinating facts abound …' British Birds

Bird migration is one of the most astonishing feats in the natural world. Millions of birds migrate often very large distances to benefit from seasonal resource surpluses and to avoid predators and competitors. The aim of this book is to give an overview of the whole migration phenomenon. The first of the three main sections presents the life histories and migratory habits of nine different ecological categories of birds. The second section investigates the course and timing of flight journeys, flight behaviour, fuel economy, flocking, and the hazards from disorientation and predation. The final section covers bird navigation.

1. The journeys of birds and the ideas of man
2. The rotating world of migratory birds
3. Summer and winter quarters, Birds in wetlands, Birds which forage on lake and sea bottom, Birds which feed on terrestrial plants, Birds which feed on fish, Birds which obtain food at the water's surface, Birds of prey, Insect-eaters, Seed-eaters, Omnivorous birds, The evolution of bird migration
4. The migratory journey, Methods of studying bird migration, Flight speed, Migration in flocks, Soaring flight, Flight altitude, Fat as flight fuel, Diurnal and nocturnal migration, Weather and wind, Dangers during the migration
5. Orientation and navigation, The sensory world of birds, Different compasses, How do birds find the right migration route?
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Birds [ornithology PSVW6], Animal behaviour [PSVP]