Manual of Ornithology: Avian Structure and Function

By Patrick J. Lynch and Noble S. Proctor

Book Overview

"Here is a volume that has no parallel. . . . A good reference book for those interested in the details of avian anatomy."--Science Books & Films

"A gold mine of facts. . . . Every library and biology department, as well as every birder, should have a copy close at hand."--Roger Tory Peterson, from the foreword

One of the most heavily illustrated ornithology references ever written, Manual or Ornithology is a visual guide to the structure and anatomy of birds--a basic tool for investigation for anyone curious about the fascinating world of birds. A concise atlas of anatomy, it contains more than 200 specially prepared accurate and clear drawings that include material never illustrated before. The text is as informative as the drawings; written at a level appropriate to undergraduate students and to bird lovers in general, it discusses why birds look and act the way they do.

Designed to supplement a basic ornithology textbook, the Manual of Ornithology covers systematics and evolution, topography, feathers and flight, the skeleton and musculature, and the digestive, circulatory, respiratory, excretory, reproductive, sensory, and nervous systems of birds, as well as field techniques for watching and studying birds. Each chapter concludes with a list of key references for the topic covered, with a comprehensive bibliography at the end of the volume.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B000OSASE6
• ISBN13: 9780300076196
• Release Date: October 1998
• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 2.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 8.4" x 10.9"

Customer Reviews

would recommend for both casual & serious learners

I got this book for a university course I was taking, but in all honesty, I've continued to come back and read it after finishing the course. It's well written so more complicated concepts are communicated clearly and is an engaging read. The diagrams are helpful and the questions really helped me in understanding the chapter's contents.

Good for student and merely curious

I bought this book as a gift for a young man getting serious about ornithology. A day after he opened it, I starting flipping through it and was fascinated by the clarity and detail. Two hours later I put it down. This is a book anyone might have on the shelf for reference or for pure entertainment romping through esoteric facts about birds.

Manual of ornithology

Sinthetic, clearly organized, very didactic, great drawings. I would ask for deeper information although the book is coherent and attains 100 % its objective

a great teacher

This is a great overall look into the evolution and biology of birds. I'm using it as a prep for some ornithology and biology courses at university. The book goes through evolution, systematics, biology, physiology, etc. I highly reccomend it for anyone needing to do some brush up work, or as an introduction to many of the topics I've mentioned above. I think it should pretty much be a standard for anyone interested in birds...Hooray for this manual!

good source for avian physiology

This book is excellent for ornithology students and backyard birders alike. It has many detailed illustrations of the skeletal, muscular, and other internal systems of birds in general. The text gives general information on each system and then more detail on specific parts. I especially like the sections at the end on binocular use and study skin preparation