author : Bruce E. Fleury

This is the course guidebook that accompanies the 12 lecture “Great Course” of the same name. It is essentially an abbreviated transcript of each lecture, a few pictures, and some related reading. (I watched the lectures, which is what I am reviewing here, and am using the book simply as an aide-memoire.)

This provides a good overview of many aspects of bird life and behaviour: evolution, flight, navigation, flocking, song, mating, nesting, and more. Each topic is illustrated with examples of how different species have similarities, but also differences, in their behaviours. There is interesting material here, but if you want technical depth, follow up on the suggested reading.