Ornithology

About this book

Ornithology, 4th Edition is a comprehensive introductory text covering a wide scope of topics essential for understanding the field of ornithology. This new edition infuses the most current research and a more conceptual approach alongside an evolutionary perspective. The 4th edition retains its hallmark readability, as well as a well updated narrative and bibliography with the latest scientific content and references.

The 4th edition is the first in full colour in both art and design and includes over 400 colour photographs. The updated design is clean, colourful, approachable, and easy to use as a narrative or study reference. New pedagogical elements reinforce key concepts new end of chapter assessment questions allow students to evaluate their learning. The 4th edition is the best yet, during both a student’s first read, and when revisited as a reference.

Contents

Part 1 Origin and Diversity
Chapter 1 The Diversity of Birds
Chapter 2 Evolutionary Origin
Chapter 3 Phylogeny and Systematics

Part 2 Form and Function
Chapter 4 Feathers
Chapter 5 Flight
Chapter 6 Physiology

Part 3 Behavior
Chapter 7 Senses, Brains, and Intelligence
Chapter 8 Vocalizations
Chapter 9 Annual Cycles
Chapter 10 Migration and Navigation
Chapter 11 Social Behavior

Part 4 Reproduction
Chapter 12 Bird Sex
Chapter 13 Sexual Selection
Chapter 14 Breeding Systems
Chapter 15 Nests and Incubation
Chapter 16 Parents and Their Offspring
Chapter 17 Life Histories

Part 5 Ecology and Conservation
Chapter 18 Populations
Chapter 19 Speciation
Chapter 20 Communities
Chapter 21 Conservation

Customer Reviews

Biography

Frank Gill is an American ornithologist with worldwide research interests and experience. Expeditions to remote corners of the globe are one of his favorite diversions. Gill’s projects include innovative program leadership and engagement of the public in ornithology through citizen science. He directed the encyclopedic work The Birds of North America (BNA). He pioneered the use of the internet for citizen science initiatives, including eBird with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Retired three times, he now leads the international effort to align the species taxonomy of the birds of the world. Now Curator Emeritus, Gill was a full-time staff member of the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia from 1969 to 1995. He served the National Audubon Society from 1996 to 2010 in various roles, including Chief Scientist and Interim President. Gill was President of the American Ornithologists' Union from 1998-2000, and received the Union’s highest honor, the William Brewster Award.