Bird Talk: An Exploration of Avian Communication

Bird Talk is a book that explores new scientific developments to reveal the complexities of how birds make, learn, and use sound in a bewildering array of songs and calls. It also illustrates how birds communicate through visual signals, such as feathers, plumage, and wing-waving, and how aggressive wing-waving is used to ward off impostors.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2021
Publisher: Cornell University Press

Bird Talk is a captivating exploration of the intricate world of bird communication, delving into the latest scientific developments to unravel the complexities behind the mesmerizing array of songs and calls that birds produce. The beauty of birdsong is a cherished aspect of nature, and this book unveils the fascinating processes involved in birds' learning and performance of their songs. It sheds light on the factors that influence a male bird's mating success, such as the quality of his repertoire, and explores how song-matching and countersinging play a crucial role in territorial disputes.

Furthermore, Bird Talk showcases the remarkable ways in which birds communicate through visual signals, such as the dazzling feathers of a Peacock or the dynamic jumping displays of a Jackson's Widowbird. Plumage features, like the red bill shield of a Pukeko, also play a significant role in indicating dominance and deterring potential intruders. By delving into these communication strategies, Bird Talk provides valuable insights into the avian intelligence and sheds light on how birds navigate various social interactions, whether they are harmonious or conflictual. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the wonders of bird behavior and the intricate ways in which they communicate with their peers and the surrounding environment.

Weight: 984g
Dimension: 262 x 215 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501753428