Bird migration

Abstract

Following a background chapter which outlines the nature of the global climate in terms of circulation patterns and associated ecosystems, the book falls into three sections: 1) discussion of the life histories and migratory habits of wetland birds, lake- and sea bottom-feeding birds, terrestrial plant eaters, fish-eaters, water surface feeders, raptors, insectivores, seed eaters and omnivores, together with comments on the evolution of migration; 2) the course and timing of migratory flights, examining methods of study, speed, flocking, soaring, altitude, fuel economy, diurnal/nocturnal migration, weather and wind, and dangers; and 3) orientation and navigation, including use of different compasses and selection of the correct route. This is an updated translation of a 1982 Swedish text, and emphasis lies on Scandinavian examples. -P.J.Jarvis