Short Synopsis
Beaks, Bones, and Bird Songs guides the listener through the myriad, and often almost miraculous, things that birds do every day to merely stay alive.

Full Synopsis
When we see a bird flying from branch to branch happily chirping, it is easy to imagine they lead a simple life of freedom, flight, and feathers. What we don't see is the arduous, life-threatening challenges they face at every moment. Beaks, Bones, and Bird Songs guides the listener through the myriad, and often almost miraculous, things that birds do every day to merely stay alive. Like the goldfinch, which manages extreme weather changes by doubling the density of its plumage in winter. Or urban birds, which navigate traffic through a keen understanding of posted speed limits. In engaging and accessible prose, Roger Lederer shares how and why birds use their sensory abilities to see ultraviolet, find food without seeing it, fly thousands of miles without stopping, change their songs in noisy cities, navigate by smell, and much more.

“An exceptional overview of the life, adaptations, and impressive skill sets of wild birds. . . . Highly recommended for all interested in natural history and the impact of humans on the natural world.” ---Library Journal

"Accessible and detail-rich . . . Lederer, an emeritus professor of biology, has an easy way with zoological concepts and the patient air of a born teacher.” ---Washington Post

“A trove of information for true bird nerds.” ---Bird Watcher’s Digest

“This is a wonderful book about birds for birders who would like to understand them better.” ---Dennis Paulson, author of Shorebirds of North America

"With an air of admiration and curiosity, Charles Constant narrates this concise, yet surprisingly dense, exploration of birds." ---AudioFile