Written by 14 leading ornithologists and illustrated with more than 500 original portraits, 270 drawings, and 167 maps and diagrams, this classic 1974 reference explains what birds are, how they live, and what lies behind their extraordinary success in virtually every habitat on our planet. Region by region, it selects species that reflect a particular facet of bird life, be it a hunting technique or physical specialization, courtship behavior or feeding habits. An introductory chapter considers bird evolution, physiology, flight, and migration, while a glossary, full index, and catalog of scientific and common names appear at the end, along with classifications describing the characteristics of the world's 155 bird families.