Buch, Englisch, 160 Seiten, Format (B × H): 227 mm x 266 mm, Gewicht: 875 g
Reihe: Mit Press
Buch, Englisch, 160 Seiten, Format (B × H): 227 mm x 266 mm, Gewicht: 875 g
Reihe: Mit Press
ISBN: 978-0-262-01831-9
Verlag: Penguin Random House LLC
Birdsong may seem to us to be the purest expression of joy, but in fact
when a male bird bursts into melodious song, he is warning off other males and
advertising his availability to females. He may also engage in spectacular displays
of plumage, dance-like movements, or even acrobatics (tree-based or aerial)--all as
part of courtship. The female, meanwhile, assesses his vocalization, plumage, and
territory before accepting him as a mate. The Mating Lives of
Birds offers an engaging and lavishly illustrated account of this most
captivating phenomenon in the natural world: bird courtship and display. It explains
how birds' reproduction strategies have evolved, and describes bird monogamy,
polygamy, polyandry, promiscuity, and communal living arrangements. It shows us
dancing cranes, somersaulting hummingbirds, drumming ducks, and the outrageously
extravagant plumage of birds of paradise. It describes group territorial displays,
jousting males, and phalarope role reversal (with the female sporting brighter
plumage)--not to mention elaborate nest decoration and the presentation of food
offerings. The book's fascinating account of the mating behavior of bird species
from around the world is illustrated by 140 vividly detailed color images.
Birdwatchers will find The Mating Lives of Birds to be an
essential addition to their libraries.
