
Stray Feathers
Reflections on the Structure, Behaviour and Evolution of Birds
CSIRO Publishing
Published on 1. July 2011
Book
Paperback/Softback
288 pages
978-0-643-09493-2 (ISBN)
Description
Stray Feathers showcases some of the remarkable adaptations of Australian birds. A brief introduction describes how evolution shapes form and function, followed by a series of vignettes illustrating the wondrous variety of forms and functions shaped by evolution. For example, did you know that Barn Owls can hunt in absolute darkness and that cuckoos commence incubation before their egg is laid?
Sections include anatomy and physiology; the senses; giving voice; tongues talking; plumage; getting around; finding and handling food; optimising foraging and feeding; reducing competition; using 'tools'; communicating; quality vs quantity; courtship; nests; parental care; chicks; and living together.
The book is superbly illustrated with black and white drawings of a range of birds, making it a worthy addition to the bookshelves of bird lovers everywhere.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Melbourne
Australia
Target group
College/higher education
Dimensions
Height: 260 mm
Width: 200 mm
Thickness: 19 mm
Weight
928 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-643-09493-2 (9780643094932)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Penny Olsen AM Leo Joseph
Stray Feathers
Reflections on the Structure, Behaviour and Evolution of Birds
E-Book
06/2011
1st Edition
CSIRO PUBLISHING
€95.89
Available for download

Penny Olsen AM Leo Joseph
Stray Feathers
Reflections on the Structure, Behaviour and Evolution of Birds
E-Book
06/2011
1st Edition
CSIRO PUBLISHING
€82.99
Available for download
Persons
Penny Olsen AM is a research scientist and experienced author and editor, with a fascination for birds. She has written 14 books, four of which have won Whitley Awards, and over 200 papers in refereed journals. An Associate Professor at the Australian National University, she sits on various conservation and natural resource management committees and hopes to keep writing about Australia's wonderful wildlife until she drops off the perch.