Discusses how birds migrate and provides information on migrations in each region of the world and on the migrating habits of hundreds of species of birds.

A stunning and authoritative full-color atlas of the world's birds The Atlas of Birds captures the breathtaking diversity of birds, and illuminates their conservation status around the world. Full-color maps show where birds are found, both by country and terrain, and reveal how an astounding variety of behavioral adaptations—from flight and feeding to nest building and song—have enabled them to thrive in virtually every habitat on Earth. Maps of individual journeys and global flyways chart the amazing phenomenon of bird migration, while bird classification is explained using maps for each order and many key families. Conservation provides a strong focus throughout, with maps illustrating where and why birds are most under threat, and what is being done to protect them. Separate sections examine key factors influencing their distribution and endangering their survival, from deforestation and climate change to invasive species and the cage-bird trade. Bird groups most affected, such as island endemics, are highlighted, while a fascinating chapter explores the complex historical relationship between birds and humans, with maps and data for everything from poultry farming to birdwatching. The maps are supported by an authoritative text that uses the very latest data and case studies from BirdLife International. Packed with sumptuous photos, original diagrams, and imaginative graphics that bring the numbers to life, this book is a stunning and timely insight into perhaps the most colorful and intriguing group of organisms on our planet. The premier illustrated atlas of bird diversity, behavior, and conservation Features full-color maps, photos, and diagrams Covers bird evolution, classification, and behavior Describes the complex relationship between birds and their habitats Explores the impact of human activities on species survival Illustrates where and why birds are most under threat—and how to protect them

Using specially devised computer-generated maps, plus full-color photos and illustrations that together represent birds in nature and in close-up detail, the atlas first explains the basics of bird migration and then traces the journeys of more than a hundred species, including detailed information and an illustration of each.

Written by fourteen of the world's outstanding authorities on ornithology, illustrated with more than 500 original portraits, 270 line drawings, and 167 maps and diagrams, The World Atlas of Birds offers a fresh look at what birds are, how they live, and what lies behind their extraordinary success in coming to terms with virtually every habitat available to our planet, from polar regions to equatorial rainforests, mountaintops to the open sea. The World Atlas of Birds selects more than 500 species of birds and examines them in depth, region by region, choosing each one to illustrate a particular facet of bird life – a hunting technique or physical specialization, courtship behavior or feeding habit. More than fifty boxed topics look at unusual aspects of bird behavior such as techniques of nest building, the relationship between adult and young, and the strange links that can exist between birds and other animals. In addition, the introductory chapter probes such general subjects as evolution, physiology, flight, and the mystery of migration; a glossary and catalog of scientific and common names is preceded by a unique section containing a full descriptive classification explaining the relationships and characteristics of the world's 155 bird families; and a complete index to the text and illustrations concludes the book.

The first reference to demonstrate how birds survive the high-altitude Central Asian Flyway and the threats to this unique migration.

A well-illustrated and comprehensive guide to bird migration, including the latest discoveries, and environmental and conservation concerns. Focusing on typical and interesting migrants, the book includes maps, photographs, calendars, fact files and more.