Much of Charles Darwin's groundbreaking work as an evolutionary biologist stemmed from his study of birds. It is universally acknowledged that Darwin's observation of bird groups and species like the Galapagos finches, mockingbirds, and rock doves was critical to the development of his theories on natural selection, evolution, and sexual selection. The significant number of diverse birds that Darwin covered in his published works represents a most substantial ornithological contribution. His major books alone contain reference to and consideration of almost 500 bird species, as well as interesting and pertinent discussion of over 100 ornithological topics. "Charles Darwin's Birds" is a comprehensive treatment of Darwin's work as an ornithologist. Clifford Frith discusses every ornithological topic and bird species that Darwin researched, providing a complete historical survey of his published writing on birds. Through this, we learn how Darwin became an increasingly skilled and eventually exceptional ornithologist, and how his relationships grew with contemporary scientists like John Gould. It examines how Darwin was influenced by birds, and how the major themes of his research developed through his study of them. The book also features 4 appendices, which contain brief accounts of every bird species Darwin wrote about, basic ornithological information about each of the species, and a listing of where the species appears in Darwin's work.

Charles Darwin's Life With Birds: His Complete Ornithology

Science & Math

Frith, Clifford B.

Biological Sciences

Oxford University Press

The bowerbirds are unique in the avian world in that the males build elaborate 'bowers': structures of sticks, grasses or other plant stems on or close to the ground, often incorporating objects such as colourful fruits, flowers, feathers, bones, stones, shells, insect skeletons, and numerous other natural (and human-made) objects. The highly sophisticated building, decorating, arranging, singing, and courtship posturing and dancing by males is primarily to attract and impress females. As much of it is performed in the absence of females, however, some consider it possible that males may also enjoy such activities for their own sake. The bowers and the birds' behaviour associated with them have been much studied by behavioral ecologists searching for evolutionary and ecological explanations of behavioural patterns. The Bowerbirds is an indispensable work of reference for everyone interested in these birds.

The Bowerbirds: Ptilonorhynchidae (Bird Families of the World)

Reference

Frith, Dawn W.

Words, Language & Grammar

Birds of paradise have long played a central part in human mythologies and captured the imagination of collectors, scientists, and naturalists. Birds of Paradise provides the first comprehensive, up-to-date, and scientifically accurate overview of the behavior, biology, ecology, biogeography, and history of the most ornate and dramatic group of birds on earth. The book is lavishly illustrated with specially commissioned color depictions of all 42 species of birds of paradise and original line drawings of many behaviors never before recorded, as well as numerous maps and graphs. This stunning book will delight a wide range of readers, from professional ornithologists to amateur naturalists.

The Birds of Paradise: Paradisaeidae

Beehler, Bruce M.

This book tells the fascinating success story of saving the flightless Woodhen of Lord Howe Island. This unique large rail, an iconic and highly endangered Australian bird, was at the very brink of extinction with just 15 individuals found in 1980, when bold and risky actions were taken to save it. The book begins with the discovery and ecology of Lord Howe Island. It then details the history of the Woodhen, its place among the rails and their evolution of flightlessness, the planning, implementation and trials, tribulations and successes of the captive breeding program and the way in which the wild population recovered. The ecology, behavior and breeding biology of this unique flightless island rail are also discussed. The text is accompanied by numerous photographs and drawings. This is a story of survival, yet the bird remains highly endangered as it is under constant threat, which could tip it over the brink and to extinction. The Woodhen provides gripping insights into the potential for both losing and saving this vertebrate species.

The Woodhen: A Flightless Island Bird Defying Extinction

CSIRO Publishing

Australian tropical birds: A selected portfolio

Australian tropical birds: A selected portfolio

Tropical Australia Graphics

Australian tropical rainforest life

Provides access to short and comprehended explanations to more than 5,000 words and terms in English that any ornithologist or birder may encounter during his or her research.

The Ornithologist's Dictionary

Winker, Kevin

Erritzøe, Johannes

Kampp, Kaj

LYNX NATURE BOOKS

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Frith, Clifford B.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Frith, Clifford B.

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Frith, Clifford B.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Charles Darwin's Life With Birds: His Complete Ornithology

The Bowerbirds: Ptilonorhynchidae (Bird Families of the World)

The Birds of Paradise: Paradisaeidae

The Woodhen: A Flightless Island Bird Defying Extinction

Australian tropical birds: A selected portfolio

Australian tropical rainforest life

The Ornithologist's Dictionary