Birds

This attractive volume straddles the line between research source for the uninitiated and reference guide for the experienced birder. There are 29 orders of birds, and each is mentioned, with profiles of select representative species. The introduction discusses anatomy; flight, migration, and breeding; habitats; and bird-watching and identification (including suggestions for recommended equipment). As well as the topics covered in the introduction, each species profile includes information about geographic distribution, social interactions (whether the bird is part of a flock or solitary), physical attributes, number of eggs and type of nest, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List category, which determines the creature's risk of extinction. The final 100 pages of the book are devoted to the largest order, passerines (perching birds). All profiles are illustrated with close-up color photographs, generally showing the male, which highlights any spectacular plumage. Although the layout is sometimes confusing, with two species listed on the same page, this is not a big problem because the glossary and index are comprehensive and easy to use. VERDICT Whereas experienced birders can probably navigate this book via the table of contents, the strength of the index is particularly important for novices. Knowing this book's audience in a particular library will determine whether it will be most useful in the reference collection or as a circulating resource.-Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole P.L., MA (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.