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This page lists books published by Johns Hopkins University Press that are about birds or include sections about birds.

Birds of Stone: Chinese Avian Fossils from the Age of Dinosaurs

Luis M. Chiappe and Meng Qingjin

2016

"Birds of Stone makes visible the unexpected avian diversity that blanketed the earth just a short time (geologically speaking) after a dinosaur lineage gave rise to the first birds. Our visual journey through these fossils is guided by Luis M. Chiappe, a world expert on early birds, and Meng Qingjin, a leading figure in China's natural history museum community. Together, they help us understand the "meaning" of each fossil by providing straightforward narratives that accompany the full-page photographs of the Jehol discoveries. Anyone interested in the history of life—from paleontologists to inquisitive birders—will find Birds of Stone an irresistible feast for the eyes and mind."

The Rise of Birds: 225 Million Years of Evolution

Sankar Chatterjee

2nd edition

2015

"This second edition of The Rise of Birds brings together a treasure trove of fossils that tell us far more about the evolution of birds than we once dreamed possible. With no blind allegiance to what he once thought he knew, Chatterjee devours the new evidence and lays out the most compelling version of the birth and evolution of the avian form ever attempted. He takes us from Texas to Spain, China, Mongolia, Madagascar, Australia, Antarctica, and Argentina. He shows how, in the "Cretaceous Pompeii" of China, he was able to reconstruct the origin and evolution of flight of early birds from the feathered dinosaurs that lay among thousands of other amazing fossils. Chatterjee takes us to where long-hidden bird fossils dwell. His compelling, occasionally controversial, revelations—accompanied by spectacular illustrations—are a must-read for anyone with a serious interest in the evolution of "the feathered dinosaurs," from vertebrate paleontologists and ornithologists to naturalists and birders."

Field Guide to the Neighborhood Birds of New York City

Leslie Day

Illustrations: Trudy Smoke

Johns Hopkins University Press

2015

"There is no better way to identify and learn about New York’s birds than with this comprehensive field guide from New York City naturalist Leslie Day. Her book will quickly teach you what each species looks like, where they build their nests, what they eat, the sounds of their songs, what time of year they appear in the city, the shapes and colors of their eggs, and where in the five boroughs you can find them—which is often in the neighborhood you call home. The hundreds of stunning photographs by Beth Bergman and gorgeous illustrations by Trudy Smoke will help you identify the ninety avian species commonly seen in New York. Once you enter the world of the city’s birds, life in the great metropolis will never look the same."

Ducks, Geese, and Swans of North America

Guy Baldassarre

Introduction: Richard E McCabe

Second Edition (2 volumes in slipcase)

Johns Hopkins University Press

2014

"Ducks, Geese, and Swans of North America has been hailed as a classic since the first edition was published in 1942. A must-have for professional biologists, birders, waterfowl hunters, decoy collectors, and wildlife managers, this fully revised and updated edition provides definitive information on the continent’s forty-six species. Maps of both winter and breeding ranges are presented with stunning images by top waterfowl photographers and the acclaimed original artwork of Robert W. (Bob) Hines. Originally authored by F. H. Kortright and later revised by Frank Bellrose, this latest edition, which has been meticulously updated by renowned waterfowl biologist Guy Baldassarre, continues the legacy of esteemed authors. Each species account contains in-depth sections on: identification; distribution; migration behaviour; habitat; population status; breeding biology; rearing of young; recruitment and survival; food habits and feeding ecology; molts and plumages; conservation and management. To facilitate identification, the species accounts also include detailed illustrations of wings. An appendix contains comparative illustrations of ducklings, goslings, and cygnets."

Field Guide to the Natural World of Washington, D.C.

Howard Youth

2014

"In Field Guide to the Natural World of Washington, D.C., naturalist Howard Youth takes us on an urban safari, describing the wild side of the nation's capital. Beyond the abundant wildlife that can be seen in every neighborhood, Washington boasts a large park network rich in natural wonders. A hike along the trails of Rock Creek Park, one of the country’s largest and oldest urban forests, quickly reveals white-tailed deer, eastern gray squirrels, and little brown bats. Mayapples, Virginia bluebells, and red mulberry trees are but a few of the treasures found growing at the National Arboretum. A stroll along the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers might reveal stealthy denizens such as bullfrogs, largemouth bass, and common snapping turtles. Detailed drawings by Carnegie artist Mark A. Klingler and photography by Robert E. Mumford, Jr., reveal the rich color and stunning beauty of the flora and fauna awaiting every D.C. naturalist."

A Year across Maryland: A Week-by-Week Guide to Discovering Nature in the Chesapeake Region

Bryan MacKay

2013

"Written as an almanac, A Year across Maryland invites you to explore the natural world throughout the year, from watching bald eagles nesting in January to harvesting mistletoe in December. Entries identify the best time and place to experience such wonders as wildflowers blooming, birds in migration, amphibians singing, and morel mushrooms ready to be picked, sliced, sautéed, and devoured. Color photographs of more than seventy species enrich and illustrate the text. Every week of the year has a recommended "Trip of the Week." Personal essays that draw from MacKay's field notes provide an intimate glimpse into a biologist encounters with plants and animals over the years."

Penguins: The Animal Answer Guide

Gerarld L Kooyman & Wayne Lynch

2013

"In Penguins: The Animal Answer Guide, Gerald Kooyman and Wayne Lynch inform readers about all seventeen species, including the Emperor Penguin made famous by the film. Do you know why penguins live only in the southern hemisphere? Or that they can be ferocious predators? Why are penguins black and white? Do they play? Penguins: The Animal Answer Guide answers these questions and many more, illuminating the fascinating biology and evolutionary history of these odd, flightless birds. Kooyman has studied penguins for decades and Lynch's photographs of penguins in the wild are the best ever captured. The result of their combined effort is an engaging book that answers every penguin question you've ever had."

Parrots: The Animal Answer Guide

Matt Cameron

2012

"Have you ever wondered what parrots eat in the wild? Or why so many species live in the Amazon? How intelligent are parrots? What is the world's rarest parrot? Parrots: The Animal Answer Guide provides detailed, factual answers to the ninety questions most on our minds. There are more than 350 species of these colorful callers, ranging in size from the diminutive lovebird to the massive macaw. Many species can live to be octogenarians in captivity - sometimes outliving their human caretakers by decades. The beautiful plumage of parrots and the ability to mimic sounds are both a blessing and a curse. A number of species are in danger of extinction because they are captured and sold into the pet trade by unscrupulous dealers. Fortunately, most parrot owners and retailers rely on captive breeding, although an appalling amount of wild collection continues. In addition to discussing parrot behavior and biology, Matt Cameron reveals the truth about the trade in wild parrots and explains what each of us can do to help save native populations. Whether you are a parrot owner, birder, ornithologist, or curious naturalist, you will find that Cameron asks and fully answers every question you have about these incredible birds."

Terrestrial Vertebrates of Pennsylvania: A Complete Guide to Species of Conservation Concern

Editor: M.A. Steele, M.C. Brittingham, T.J. Maret, J.F. Merritt

2011

"The 133 species of reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals discussed in this book are Pennsylvania's most vulnerable terrestrial vertebrates. Each species is described in a full account that details basic biology and includes photographs and range maps. The accompanying narratives focus on conservation priorities, research needs, and management recommendations. Featuring information compiled from a broad array of sources and by contributors who are recognized authorities on their respective species, this volume is a model for wildlife conservation across much of the northeastern United States."

Animal Tool Behavior

Robert W. Shumaker, Kristina R. Walkup, Benjamin B. Beck

2nd edition

2011

"When published in 1980, Benjamin B. Beck’s Animal Tool Behavior was the first volume to catalog and analyze the complete literature on tool use and manufacture in non-human animals. Beck showed that animals, from insects to primates, employed different types of tools to solve numerous problems. His work inspired and energized legions of researchers to study the use of tools by a wide variety of species. In this revised and updated edition of the landmark publication, Robert W. Shumaker and Kristina R. Walkup join Beck to reveal the current state of knowledge regarding animal tool behavior. Through a comprehensive synthesis of the studies produced through 2010, the authors provide an updated and exact definition of tool use, identify new modes of use that have emerged in the literature, examine all forms of tool manufacture, and address common myths about non-human tool use. Specific examples involving invertebrates, birds, fish, and mammals describe the differing levels of sophistication of tool use exhibited by animals."

2nd Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Maryland and the District of Columbia

Editor: Walter G. Ellison

2010

"Despite their small sizes, Maryland and Washington, DC, possess a vast range of environments - from the high peaks of the Allegheny Ridges to the low marshes of the Chesapeake Bay. Home to 200 nesting bird species, these habitats are under constant threat from urban sprawl, changing farming practices, and the degradation of coastal wetlands. The Second Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Maryland and the District of Columbia documents the impact of these environmental changes on the region's bird population and discusses the recovery of the endangered Bald Eagle and the new confirmation of breeding by three species - the Common Merganser, the Ruddy Duck, and the Double-crested Cormorant. Species accounts, each with a stunning color photograph, provide detailed coverage of the habitats, biology, and relative abundance of mid-Atlantic nesting birds. Up-to-date maps reflect changes in their breeding ranges and distributions over the past two decades. Of perhaps greatest value are the comparative analyses with data from the first statewide survey conducted in the 1980s."

Field Guide to the Natural World of New York City

Leslie Day

2007

"There is a secret world within New York City, a universe of creatures great and small living side-by-side with the Big Apple's Homo sapiens. The five boroughs sit atop one of the most naturally rich sites in North America, directly under the Atlantic migratory flyway, at the mouth of a 300-mile-long river, and on three islands - Manhattan, Staten, and Long. New York just might be the most biologically diverse city in temperate America. Leslie Day, a New York City naturalist, reveals this amazing world in her "Field Guide to the Natural World of New York City". Combining the stunning paintings of Mark A. Klingler with a variety of photographs and maps, this book is both beautiful and informative. Conveniently divided into sections for animals, plants, mushrooms, and geology, this is a complete guide for the urban naturalist - from tips on identifying the city's flora and fauna to maps showing the nearest subway stop. Here is your personal guide to the real wild side of America's largest city."

Owls of the United States and Canada: A Complete Guide to their Biology and Behavior

Wayne Lynch

2007

"In this gorgeous book, celebrated natural history writer and wildlife photographer Wayne Lynch reveals the secrets of this elusive species with stunning photographs, personal anecdotes, and accessible science. The photos alone are masterpieces. Unlike most published owl photos, which are portraits of birds in captivity, the majority of these were taken in the wild - a product of the author-photographer's incredible knowledge and patience. Lynch complements the photos with a wealth of facts about anatomy, habitat, diet, and family life. For each of the nineteen species that inhabit Canada and the United States, he provides a range map and a brief discussion of its distribution, population size, and status. Lynch debunks myths about owls' "supernatural" powers of sight and hearing, discusses courtship rituals, and offers personal tips for finding them in the wild. From the great horned to the tiny elf owl, this amazing volume captures the beauty and mystery of these charismatic birds of prey."

Birds of the World: Every Bird Family Illustrated And Explained

Les Beletsky

2006

"This stunning book captures the grace and beauty of the world's birds. In more than 500 pages, ornithologist Les Beletsky has gathered over 1,600 original paintings that reveal the form, posture, and plumage of every single bird family found in the world, featuring illustrations of more than 1,300 avian species that are characteristic of the families. Detailed paintings are by eleven of the world's leading bird artists, with many being published here for the first time. Beletsky's detailed, readable, descriptions are paired with these vivid images to show the diversity of the world's approximately 200 bird families. Garden bird-watchers, avid twitchers, and professional ornithologists alike will find in these pages everything from the everyday to the exotic, from diminutive hummingbirds to massive ostriches, from Antarctic penguins to tropical parrots. Comprehensive, authoritative, and beautifully illustrated, 'Birds of the World' will amaze and inspire everyone with an interest in this remarkable part of the world's fauna."

Life in the Chesapeake Bay

An Illustrated Guide to the Fishes, Invertebrates, Plants, Birds and other Animals of Bays and Inlets from Cape Cod to Cape Hatteras

Alice J. Lippson and Robert L. Lippson

3rd edition

2006

"Life in the Chesapeake Bay is the most important book ever published on America's largest estuary. Since publication of the first edition in 1984, tens of thousands of naturalists, boaters, fishermen, and conservationists have relied on the book's descriptions of the Bay's plants, animals, and diverse habitats. Superbly illustrated and clearly written, this acclaimed guide describes hundreds of plants and animals and their habitats, from diamondback terrapins to blue crabs to hornshell snails. Now in its third edition, the book has been updated with a new gallery of thirty-nine color photographs and dozens of new species descriptions and illustrations. The new edition retains the charm of an engaging classic while adding a decade of new research."

Birds of Two Worlds: The Ecology and Evolution of Migration

Editors: Russell Greenberg and Peter P Marra

2005

"In Birds of Two Worlds Russell Greenberg and Peter Marra bring together the world's experts on avian migration to discuss its ecology and evolution. The contributors move the discussion of migration to a global stage, looking at all avian migration systems and delving deeper into the evolutionary foundations of migratory behavior. Readers interested in the biology, behavior, ecology, and evolution of birds have waited a decade to see a worthy successor to the earlier classics."

Nature's Flyers: Birds, Insects, and the Biomechanics of Flight

David E Alexander

2002

"Instead of relying on elaborate mathematical equations, Alexander explains the physical basis of flight with sharp prose and clear diagrams. Drawing upon bats, birds, insects, pterosaurs, and even winged seeds, he details the basic operating principles of wings and then moves progressively through more complex modes of animal flight, including gliding, flapping, and maneuvering. In addition to summarizing the latest thinking about flight's energy costs, Alexander presents a holistic view of flight and its ramifications as he explores the ecology and evolution of flying animals, addressing behaviorally important topics such as migration and navigation. With somewhat surprising answers, the author then concludes his study by examining the extent to which natural flight has been inspiring or instructive for the architects of human flight - airplane designers and engineers."

Birds of the Mid-Atlantic Region and Where to Find Them

John H. Rappole

2002

"With its dramatic range of habitats, from the beaches of the Atlantic to the wetlands of the Chesapeake Bay and the alpine forests of the Appalachians, the Mid-Atlantic region is home to 346 species of birds. For amateur and experienced birders alike, few areas offer so many opportunities to see such a rich variety of avian life. Birds of the Mid-Atlantic Region and Where to Find Them is the only comprehensive field guide to bird life in the area (Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia) that also directs readers to public sites where each species can be found. Noted ornithologist John H. Rappole provides extensive information about every species: description, identification details for distinguishing similar species, habitat preference, vocalization, range, and Mid-Atlantic seasonal occurrence, abundance, and distribution. Each entry is accompanied by a color photograph, making identification easy for amateur bird watchers, and by a range of maps. A helpful guide to sites lists the best places to spot specific birds, from common species to rarities, and how to reach the sites by car."

Dinosaurs of the Air: The Evolution and Loss of Flight in Dinosaurs and Birds

Gregory S. Paul

2001

"This text presents the most recent work of evolutionary scientist and dinosaur illustrator, Gregory Paul. It synthesizes the growing body of evidence which suggests that modern-day birds have evolved from theropod dinosaurs of prehistoric times. Paul argues provocatively for the idea that the ancestor-descendant relationship between the dinosaurs and birds can on occasion be reversed, and that many dinosaurs were secondarily flightless descendants of creatures we would regard as birds. The book also offers firsthand interpretations of major fossils; a balanced discussion of the ways we think flight may have evolved (comparing "ground up" and "trees down" scenarios); a close look at the famous urvogel Archaeopteryx, discussing what it can and cannot tell us about bird origins; and in-depth analyses of bird and theropod phylogenetics. Full of detail for the specialist but accessible to the intelligent lay reader, the book includes the author's own illustrations and a technical appendix which provides information, for example, on body mass/wing dimension relationships and avian/dinosaurian metabolics."

Finding Order in Nature: The Naturalist Tradition from Linnaeus to E. O. Wilson

Paul Lawrence Farber

Johns Hopkins University Press

2000

"Since emerging as a discipline in the middle of the eighteenth century, natural history has been at the heart of the life sciences. It gave rise to the major organizing theory of life - evolution - and continues to be a vital science with impressive practical value. Central to advanced work in ecology, agriculture, medicine, and environmental science, natural history also attracts enormous popular interest. In Finding Order in Nature Paul Farber traces the development of the naturalist tradition since the Enlightenment and considers its relationship to other research areas in the life sciences. Written for the general reader and student alike, the volume explores the adventures of early naturalists, the ideas that lay behind classification systems, the development of museums and zoos, and the range of motives that led collectors to collect. Farber also explores the importance of sociocultural contexts, institutional settings, and government funding in the story of this durable discipline."

Discovering Birds: The Emergence of Ornithology as a Scientific Discipline, 1760-1850

Paul Lawrence Farber

1997

Originally published as The Emergence of Ornithology as a Scientific Discipline: 1760–1850 in 1982.

"In this case study of the history of ornithology, the author rejects the view that 18th-century natural history disappeared with the rise of 19th-century biology. He demonstrates interesting continuities: as natural history evolves into individual sciences (botany, geology and zoology) and specialities (entymology and ichthyology), the study of birds emerged as a distinct scientific discipline that remained observational and taxonomic. Ornithologists continued to see one of their primary tasks as classification, and they found no need to alter their approach. They were aided at the end of the 18th century as colonization and exploration brought new data - a plethora of exotic and previously unknown birds. By the mid-19th century, ornithology had become a scientific discipline with international experts, a large empirical base, and a rigorous methodology of watching and cataloging."

Australian Birds of Prey

Penny Olsen

1995

"Authoritative natural history and biology of these raptors, with comprehensive identitification information and illustrations to each species. Ecology, reproduction, nutrition, behaviour, health and conservation issues are all included, along with the interaction of the birds with humans."

Birds of the Chesapeake Bay: Paintings by John W. Taylor

John W. Taylor

1992

"Birds of the Chesapeake Bay" collects 40 of Taylor's recent paintings. Reproduced in full colour, they depict many of the Chesapeake's most important and best-loved birds. One of the world's largest and richest estuaries, the Chesapeake Bay attracts millions of birds to its marshes and waterways. For 30 years, the artist John Taylor has lived and worked along its shores - walking the woods and beaches, looking for birds, and recording the extraordinary life of the Chesapeake in his paintings, drawings, and journals. Some of his subjects - the Canada goose, laughing gull, and osprey - are familiar sights to those who live near the Bay. Others - the snowy egret, sora rail, and peregrine falcon - are more rarely seen. All are rendered with exceptional attention to physical detail and subtlety of form, whether treated in portraits or landscapes. This book looks at the Bay's wildlife and habitat through the eyes of a talented artist and experienced naturalist. Accompanying each painting is an account of the bird's natural history, including details of its life in the Chesapeake region and how that life has changed because of increasing development and more energetic conservation efforts."