The Life of Birds

A fully updated new edition of David Attenborough’s bestselling classic. BIRDS. 11,000 species, the most widespread of all animals: on icebergs, in the Sahara or under the sea, at home in our gardens or flying for over a year at a time. Earthbound, we can only look and listen, enjoying their lightness, freedom and richness of plumage and song. David Attenborough has been watching and learning all his life. His classic book, now fully updated with the latest discoveries in ornithology, is a brilliant introduction to bird behaviours around the world: what they do and why they do it. He looks at each step in birds' lives and the problems they have to solve: learning to fly; finding food; communicating; mating and caring for nests, eggs and young; migrating; facing dangers and surviving harsh conditions. Sir David has no equal in helping others to learn and making it exciting. His curiosity and enjoyment are infectious. He shows the lifelong pleasure that birds around us offer, and how much we miss if unaware of them. Attenborough, the Sunday Times bestselling author, delves into the science of birdwatching, offering readers a comprehensive guide to understanding the natural world. His passion for zoology and ecology is palpable, making this non-fiction book a captivating read for anyone interested in nature and its history. For fans of David Allen Sibley (Birds of Instagram), Joshua Foer (Atlas Obscura, 2nd Edition), Steve Brusatte (The Rise and Reign of the Mammals), Martin Stevens (Sensory Ecology, Behaviour, and Evolution), and Jonnie Hughes (Earthshot). HarperCollins 2024