The Life of Birds

Birds. 11,000 species, the most widespread of all — 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 is a brilliant introduction to bird behaviours — what they do and why they do it. He looks at each step in birds' lives and the problems they face: 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 we are unaware of them.