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This page lists bird related books that are published by Firefly Books.

The books are listed by date of publication with the most recent at the top of the page.

Falcons in the City: The Story of a Peregrine Family

Chris G. Earley

Firefly Books

2016

"A charming story about a nest of wild birds that alarm, then charm, their city landlords. What happens when a peregrine falcon chooses to lay its eggs on a balcony high atop a tower block? Here is the story of a family of wild birds that moves into a cramped urban home and decides to settle in among towers filled with people and noise. The birds' new human neighbours are quick to try and evict, but it turns out that the falcons have rights too and the law is on their side. This amusing true-life story looks at the issues related to urban wildlife and how urban dwellers co-exist with an ever-increasing wildlife population that finds ingenious - and sometimes devious - ways to move into our homes and cities, often without notice. Illustrated with photographs documenting the early life of a peregrine falcon family that grows from eggs to full-fledged birds in the flowerbox of a curious apartment-dweller, this book also explores the natural history of this majestic bird species."

Woodpeckers of the World: A Photographic Guide

Gerard Gorman

2014

Published in the UK as Woodpeckers of the World: The Complete Guide

"Woodpeckers of the World is the first definitive guide to all 239 species of woodpecker. Beautiful color photographs of male, female and juvenile woodpeckers taken in their natural habitat reveal the birds' coloring, markings, and sexual dimorphism. Detailed text looks at general woodpecker biology, followed by 239 detailed species accounts. Identification notes are followed by brief entries on food, voice, drumming, habitat, status, distribution, geographic variation and confusion species. Each entry features at least two, usually three, high-quality photographs showing an adult male, an adult female and a juvenile. In all, more than 700 carefully selected images highlight identification criteria. Each species entry also contains an accurate range map."

Hummingbirds

Ronald Orenstein

Firefly Books

2014

"The tiny hummingbird has long been a source of fascination for birdwatchers and naturalists alike. They number 300 species and Ronald Orenstein has a passion for all of them. Hummingbirds are the smallest birds in the world. .... In this book Orenstein covers all aspects of hummingbird natural history, their relationship with the plants on which they feed, the miracle of their flight, their elaborate social life and nesting behaviour, and their renowned feats of migration. More than 170 colour photographs of these magnificent creatures, taken in the wild, adorn the pages of Hummingbirds."

Hawks and Owls of Eastern North America

Chris G. Earley

2012

"With their legendary nocturnal behavior, a preference for remote habitats, changing migratory patterns, and swift flight speeds, birds of prey are particularly difficult to identify and track. "Hawks and Owls of Eastern North America" depicts the subtle differences and rich diversity among these magnificent birds. Precise identification notes and more than 200 crisp, clean photographs aid in quick and accurate classifications of a variety of raptors. The book profiles 39 species among the New World vultures, osprey, kites, eagles, hawks and allies, falcons, owls and vagrants."

Barn Owl

David Chandler

2011

"The sight of a ghostly Barn Owl quartering a field at dusk is not one that is easily forgotten, but the day-to-day lives of these captivating birds are little known to most people. In this book, insightful text coupled with rarely seen images of the species' life and behaviour introduces the reader to some of the most fascinating aspects of a remarkable nocturnal existence. There are chapters on subjects such as hunting, courtship and survival. The owls are further brought to life through a series of personal anecdotes from the author and photographer, which are woven into the text."

Exploring the World of Owls

Tracy C. Read

2011

"The haunting sound of its distant hoot may be as close as many of us ever get to an owl. But there are roughly 200 owl species worldwide. These birds of prey display noticeable differences in size and markings, but they also share many physical traits and living skills. How do owls capture prey and defend themselves? How are their wings designed for silent, gliding flight? How do owls conceal themselves from predators?."

The Migration of Birds: Seasons on the Wing

Janice M. Hughes

2009

"The Migration of Birds is a comprehensive illustrated presentation of the mysteries of bird migration. Ornithologist Janice M. Hughes describes the findings of the most recent research and surveys as-yet-unanswered questions. She unravels the exciting contributions of cutting-edge technological innovations and scientific developments. Over 70 stunning full-color photographs show some of the world's most dauntless voyagers. Maps show migration routes, and illustrations depict the mechanics of flying. The text is engaging and straightforward as well as authoritative and comprehensive."

Cranes: A Natural History of a Bird in Crisis

Janice M. Hughes

2008

"Cranes traces the history of these fascinating birds from their early origins in the Mesozoic Era to the present day. The book covers anatomy, feeding habits, mating rituals, habitats, caring for the chicks, migration and seasonal movements. A special section is devoted to cranes in myth and folklore. Species profiles are included, along with range maps and conservation status of: Black-Crowned Crane; Red-Crowned Crane; Black-Necked Crane; Sandhill Crane; Blue Crane; Sarus Crane; Brolga Siberian Crane; Demoiselle Crane; Wattled Crane; Eurasian Crane; White-Naped Crane; Grey Crowned Crane; Whooping Crane; Hooded Crane. Emphasis is given to the Whooping Crane as a case study of the environmental and human pressures that threaten the existence of all family members. Through the tireless efforts of many dedicated researchers and volunteers, this species is slowly being brought back from the edge of extinction. Operation Migration, the project to establish a migratory population of whooping cranes in the eastern United States, is profiled in a special chapter of Cranes."

Owls of North America

Frances Backhouse

Hardback: 2008

Paperback: 2013

"Owls are almost everywhere. These distinctive birds populate every continent except Antarctica and survive in everything from arid desert to arctic tundra to dense rain forest. Frances Backhouse provides an in-depth yet lively study of these fascinating birds on the North American continent. Topics include anatomy and adaptations, mating behaviours, egg laying and chick rearing, feeding habits, communication displays and location. Superbly designed birds of prey, owls are equipped with highly effective tools for killing and dismembering their prey: strong feet with curved, stiletto-like talons and a sturdy hooked bill with razor-sharp cutting edges. What makes owls unique is that most of them hunt in darkness from dusk to dawn using their keen hearing, enhanced low-light vision and sound-muffling structures on their flight feathers. With detailed profiles of and range maps for all 23 species, along with 70 colour photographs illustrating key behavioural characteristics, Owls of North America is a solid reference for bird watchers, naturalists and general readers."

Penguins Of The World

Wayne Lynch

2007

"Over the last 18 years, Wayne Lynch has travelled thousands of miles to Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands, Argentina, Chile, New Zealand and a dozen remote island clusters in the tempestuous Southern Ocean to study and photograph the 17 species of penguins in their natural habitats. In Penguins of the World, he documents the extraordinary life cycle of these tough, resourceful and beautiful birds in some of the harshest environments imaginable. Lynch's prose is engaging and easy-to-read, and his beautiful photographs capture the birds in a wide variety of activities and behaviours."

The Birder's Companion

Stephen Moss

Firefly Books

2007

"Answers to 450 common (and uncommon) questions about birds. Did you know that an extraordinary six million mallard ducks have been banded? And that an even more extraordinary one million of those have been recovered? Or that the female of a species, not the male, usually chooses a mate? Or that birds are hardly "bird-brained" but actually quite smart? This friendly, fact-filled browser is perfect for birders, bird enthusiasts, students and the curious. Accurate, comprehensive and fun to read, the author's answers reveal a compelling world of feathers, beaks, flight, mating, nesting, migration, sleep, song and much, much more."

Hummingbirds of Costa Rica

Michael and Patricia Fogden

2006

"Hummingbirds of Costa Rica features 44 of the 45 species of hummers that inhabit Costa Rica. (The Plain-capped starthroat, the missing species, lives only in the highest treetops. The authors have never encountered one at a height low enough to photograph.) Each bird is depicted in its natural habitat and with the flower with which it naturally associates. Hundreds of detailed close-ups show each bird's unique features and allow the reader to fully appreciate these stunning marvels of nature. Featuring the work of internationally acclaimed nature photographers Michael and Patricia Fogden, this richly illustrated guide covers: biology; predators; the relationship between hummingbirds and flowers; feeding strategies; a year in a hummingbird's life and a hummingbird site guide. Beautifully detailed photographs bring the exquisite creatures to life, and scientifically accurate and accessible text provides a comprehensive reference to Costa Rica, its hummingbirds and their ecosystem."

Rainforest Bird Rescue: Changing the Future for Endangered Wildlife

Linda Kenyon

2006

"About a third of the world's bird species make their homes in rainforests. Unfortunately, the rainforests are disappearing. This book profiles projects and people around the world who are working to prevent the loss of these beautiful birds, in Thailand, Canada, Central America and South America. The Firefly Animal Rescue series promotes endangered and threatened species and what is being done to protect them. Each book introduces readers to a featured animal, explains the threats it is facing, and explores efforts by conservationists and organisations to protect it."

Birds of Prey Rescue: Changing the Future for Endangered Wildlife

Pamela Hickman

2006

"Birds of prey, otherwise known as raptors, have been respected and admired yet also feared and loathed throughout their existence. They are meat-eating birds and extremely well-equipped for the hunt, with powerful eyesight, ultra-sensitive hearing, and sharp talons. Despite these apparent advantages, many birds of prey species are seriously endangered or threatened. This latest addition to the Firefly Animal Rescue series profiles the dedicated people and projects around the world helping raptors to survive. Illustrated with 50 spectacular color photographs, Birds of Prey Rescue also addresses the general biological issues and challenges in preserving a future for endangered wildlife."

Woodpeckers of North America

Frances Backhouse

2005

"A comprehensive, profusely illustrated natural history of all 28 North American species of woodpeckers."

Waterfowl of Eastern North America

Chris G. Earley

2005

"The eastern Continental Divide from Florida to Ontario contains the world's largest network of freshwater lakes, rivers, wetlands and coastal waters. It is home to an astonishingly large variety of ducks, geese, and other waterfowl. Waterfowl of Eastern North America is a richly illustrated pocket-sized field guide for birders and naturalists. Full-color photographs show these birds in their natural habitats in each season. Comparison pages group similar-looking birds on a single spread for quick reference. Concise and accurate information on each species includes: Common name Biological classification Identifying features Seasonal changes to plumage color. The detailed information on each species is concisely organized and includes the differences between male and female, seasonal and immature plumage, morphs and distinctive markings. The coverage includes: Ducks and geese Swans and pelicans Loons, grebes and cormorants."

The Bird Almanac: A Guide to Essential Facts and Figures of the World's Birds

David M. Bird

2004 (2nd ed)

"This second edition has been reformatted for easier use and now features quick-find tabs and an index. The first section of the book comprehensively covers the history, biology and behaviour of birds. Bird physiology, biological systems and anatomy are explained in easy-to-understand terms and annotated illustrations. The second section consists of an authoritative world checklist of bird species. The birds are organized by taxonomic order and listed by common and Latin name."

Hawks and Owls of Great Lakes Region

Chris Earley

2004

A study of the owls and hawks found in the Great Lakes region of North America.

Sparrows and Finches of the Great Lakes Region and Eastern North America

Chris G. Earley

2003

"The Great Lakes region and Eastern North America is home to 48 species of sparrows and finches. This guide illustrates the subtle differences and rich diversity among these tiny birds. With crisp, clear photographs and precise identification notes, this book makes quick, accurate classification possible. The information is concisely organised and includes common and biological nomenclature, male/female differences, seasonal plumage changes and distinctive markings, song descriptions and behavioural habits."

Warblers of the Great Lakes Region and Eastern North America

Chris G Earley

2003

"Describes the 42 species of Warbler found in the Great Lakes region and Eastern North America. Species are presented in taxonomic order to show how they relate to each other. The text includes information on biological classification, distinctive markings, seasonal plumage changes, song description and behaviour. and explains why they are so difficult to spot. Comparison pages are also provided which group similar-looking birds on a single spread for quick reference. Includes many colour photographs."

Owls of the World: Their Lives, Behaviour and Survival

James R. Duncan

2003

A study of 205 species of owls with information on distribution, status, life histories and cultural history. There are general chapters on biology, ecology, behaviour and conservation.

Firefly Encyclopedia of Birds

Editor: Christopher M. Perrins

2003

"Authoritative, easy-to-read essays explain mating rituals, historical significance, evolutionary development, and nesting habits. Organized alphabetically by Family, this comprehensive encyclopedia is illustrated with 2,000 color photographs and location maps. The text is lively, well researched, cleanly organized and completely understandable to nonscientific readers. A Fact File for each bird family lists the relevant data including species, genus, global distribution, habitat, plumage, voice, nest, egg descriptions, diet and conservation status. With contributions by a team of 100 distinguished zoologists, the Firefly Encyclopedia of Birds is a major reference work for all birders as well as students and naturalists."

The World of the Hummingbird

Robert Burton

2001

"The hummingbird is a wonder of physiology. This tiny creature is a record breaker on many fronts, from its highly efficient use of food for energy to its impressive annual long-distance migrations. This text introduces the hummingbird and explores its natural history, its essential relationship with plant life, the miracle of its flight, its elaborate social life as well as its nesting behaviour and renowned migratory habits. Features 100 images and freeze-frame in-flight colour photographs."

The Secret Lives of Birds

Pierre Gingras

1997

"An entertaining and unpredictable tour of the sometimes baffling world of our avian companions. From absurd courtship and mating rituals to unusual nesting and grooming habits, "The Secret Lives of Birds" provides all kinds of surprising information on these fascinating creatures. Compelling, engaging, sometimes revolting but always illuminating, this delightful book, which is complemented throughout the dozens of black & white and color illustrations, is a treat for any fan of our fine-feathered friends."