This book brings together the results from one of the most significant long-term studies of birds in the late twentieth century, testing our understanding of evolution in natural populations. Combining genetics, behavior, ecology, and a landmark data set, it will be essential reading for everyone with an interest in evolutionary ecology. The Lesser Snow Goose is a migratory Arctic breeder which occurs in two genetically distinct forms. Most have white plumage, but some are dark, allowing rapid scoring and study of a highly visible heritable trait. Initial chapters describe the natural history, recent evolutionary history, and current patterns of gene flow in the species. A subsequent chapter presents a detailed demographic model integrating both fecundity and survival components of fitness, which is used as an analytical framework throughout later chapters. Two chapters detail the effects of annual and age-specific variation in fitness components. The authors then focus on the microevolutionary status of the population, using data gathered over 26 years on 40,000 individually marked adult geese, 45,000 nests, and 110,000 goslings at one colony in northern Manitoba. The heart of the book analyses the working of natural selection on plumage color, seasonal timing of breeding, clutch size, egg size, and body size, using the components of fitness approach to quantifying selection in stages throughout the animal life cycle. The results are an important advance in understanding the evolutionary process in vertebrates.
Did you know that Purple Martins are almost completely dependent on humans for their housing? Maintaining colonies of these beloved backyard birds -- a tradition that began with the Native American tribes of the Southeast -- is today more popular than ever. In the Stokes Purple Martin Book, you'll find all the information you need to attract, house, and care for a colony of Purple Martins in your own yard.
The book includes:
- The secrets of attracting Purple Martins -- from buying or building the right birdhouse to selecting the ideal site for the house on your property
- When you can expect Purple Martins to arrive in your region
- How to monitor houses and control predators
- Fascinating facts about the breeding and nesting behaviors of Purple Martins
- Range maps and more than 100 stunning full-color photographs
With Paul A. Johnsgard, we follow the migration of the sandhill cranes from the American Southwest to their Alaskan breeding grounds and back again, an annual pattern that has persisted over millions of years. By selecting four historic time frames of the migration between 1860 and 1980, Johnsgard illustrates how humans have influenced the flocks and how different American cultures have variously responded to the birds and perceived their value.Each section focuses on the interactions between children of four different American cultures and sandhill cranes, triggered by events occurring during the annual life cycle of the cranes. The story is enriched by the author's exquisite illustrations, by Zuni prayers, and by Inuit and Pueblo legends. With a new preface and afterword and a new gallery of photographs by the author, Those of the Gray Wind is a classic story of a timeless ritual that can be enjoyed for generations to come.
Ravens appear in mythology and folklore the world over. Few other birds have inspired such simultaneous dread and fascination, or given rise to so many forms of artistic expression. But in the Arctic, ravens are not only mythological and artistic figures, but also brilliant scavengers, fascinating communicators, and daily nuisances.The result of ten years of research and interviews, Tulugaq examines the raven's place in Canadian Arctic society and reveals a bird that is at times loved, maligned, dreaded, and even revered. With dozens of photographs and first-person stories from communities across Nunavut, the Yukon, and the Northwest Territories, Tulugaq is a visually stunning examination of one of the animal kingdom's most complicated figures.
The ultimate guide for identifying the waterfowl of North America and Eurasia
This is the ultimate guide for anyone who wants to identify the ducks, geese, and swans of North America, Europe, and Asia. With 72 stunning color plates (that include more than 920 drawings), over 650 superb photos, and in-depth descriptions, this book brings together the most current information on 84 species of Eurasian and North American waterfowl, and on more than 100 hybrids. The guide delves into taxonomy, identification features, determination of age and sex, geographic variations, measurements, voice, molt, and hybridization. In addition, the status of each species is treated with up-to-date details on distribution, population size, habitats, and life cycle. Color plates and photos are accompanied by informative captions and 85 distribution maps are also provided. Taken together, this is an unrivaled, must-have reference for any birder with an interest in the world's waterfowl.
- A guide to the 84 species of ducks, geese, and swans of Europe, Asia, and North America
- 72 color plates with more than 920 illustrations of most plumages and subspecies, both in flight and standing
- More than 650 color photos
- Details on taxonomy, identification features, determination of age and sex, geographic variations, measurements, voice, molt, hybridization, habitat and life cycle, range and populations, and status in captivity
- 85 distribution maps
- Descriptions and illustrations of more than 100 hybrids regularly encountered in the wild
The wonderful pageantry of the most extraordinary birds of North America
With more than 900 different kinds of birds in the United States and Canada, bird watchers bear witness to some incredible species. From the world's smallest owl to the fastest of all animals, our bird population is both impressive and diverse. Stan Tekiela has been studying and photographing these birds for more than 30 years. Here, the award-winning author and naturalist showcases 28 of the most astonishing species in North America. His incomparable photography captures the birds in action and depicts behaviors that are sure to surprise and delight, while the book's headings and small blocks of text make for easy yet informative browsing.
Discover North America's most interesting birds. Inside this coffee-table book, you'll find remarkable, unusual birds stunningly photographed in natural settings. Turn to any page and you'll be amazed by the colors, stop-action detail, and diversity of our feathered friends. Fast or slow, large or small, the birds and their behaviors are sure to surprise and delight. You'll develop a new appreciation for their wild and wonderful world.
Your Backyard Feeding Guide to Woodpeckers
The splash of red on black and white--few backyard guests are more exciting to behold than the Downy Woodpecker. And what can capture a bird watcher's attention like a woodpecker drumming against a tree? Learn from acclaimed naturalist Stan Tekiela what seeds and foods to provide to keep woodpeckers coming back and which feeders they prefer and why. Find out how to make your yard into a habitat they will visit, and enjoy woodpecker photographs, trivia and quick tips. This handy book is your all-in-one guide to attracting and feeding woodpeckers.
Photographer Rob Palmer has a passion for birds of prey and has traveled across the North American continent in pursuit of images that capture their amazing beauty and behaviors as the go about their lives in their natural environment. In this book, he has collected nearly two-hundred of his favorite shots of burrowing owls as they go about life in the wild. From grown owls in flight to youngsters hamming it up and exploring life beyond the nest, you'll enjoy a virtual tour of the lives of these mesmerizing birds. Palmer also provides explanatory text to help you identify burrowing owl behaviors and understand what it takes to get shots like these. Whether you are an owl lover or an aspiring bird photographer, you'll love this book
This book synthesizes current scientific knowledge of the Australian Zebra Finch, a bird popular with scientists and teachers in physiology, behavioral development, and evolutionary ecology, as well as professional and amateur ornithologists throughout the world. It builds a complete picture of the biology of this colorful species, integrating thirty years of findings from the laboratory with those from the wild, with emphasis on behavior and ecology. This new understanding of the Zebra Finch's adaptation and life history will further enhance its value to researchers and students in various fields.