Handbook of Bird Biology, 3rd Ed.

Have the world of birds at your fingertips

The Handbook of Bird Biology is an essential reference for birdwatchers, college students, and educators. Since its first publication by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in 1972, tens of thousands of students and bird enthusiasts have transformed their understanding of the avian world using this comprehensive text. The fully revised 3rd edition provides expanded and updated coverage written by world-renowned ornithologists from Cornell and beyond. Now with full color illustrations and a companion media library.

What’s inside the book

  1. Why Study Birds?
  2. Avian Diversity and Classification
  3. How Birds Evolve
  4. Feathers and Plumages
  5. Avian Flight
  6. Avian Anatomy
  7. Bird Physiology
  8. Avian Food and Foraging
  9. Avian Mating and Social Behavior
  10. Avian Vocal Behavior
  11. Breeding Biology of Birds
  12. Avian Migration and Dispersal
  13. Ecology of Bird Populations
  14. Bird Communities
  15. Bird Conservation

Companion media library

In addition to the full color illustrations in the book, each chapter has been supplemented with complimentary online material to help you learn more. Rich multimedia content illustrates and expands on content from the book. All organized in a chapter-by-chapter online library.

Companion media library

Slide downloads

All of the 650+ figures in the Handbook of Bird Biology, 3rd. Edition are available for free download in PowerPoint format courtesy of Wiley. A valuable reference tool and a great way to amplify your teaching.

Download slides

Chapter 9 Black Grouse males square off in a territorial battle at their lekking site.
Mike Lane
Chapter 8 The Royal Flycatcher’s facial bristles likely help detect prey during aerobatic foraging.
Andrew Snyder
Chapter 13 Endangered and taxonomically distinct, the Kagu is a conservation priority.
Tony Palliser
Chapter 9 The remarkable diversity among avian mating systems.
Andrew Leach
Chapter 5 Warblers use a bounding flight style that is only efficient for small birds.
Samuel Galick
Chapter 4 Blue feathers result from the structure of keratin proteins, rather than from pigments.
Andrew Leach
Chapter 2 Bird specimens provide valuable data for researchers interested in taxonomy.
Jennifer Campbell-Smith
Chapter 4 The velcro-like microstructure of some feathers makes them waterproof.
Chris Hall

You can learn even more with the comprehensive Ornithology course

Study birds with the comprehensive ornithology course from the Cornell Lab using the Handbook of Bird Biology, 3rd. Edition as your guide. Read each chapter in the Handbook, explore in more depth using the online materials embedded in this course,
then take the exams to earn your badge and certificate.

Learn more about the course

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Cover of the Handbook of Bird Biology

Order your copy of the Handbook of Bird Biology, 3rd Edition today.
Available as an eBook or hardcover from retailers such as Amazon.

To get the most out of this essential text, you can also enroll in the comprehensive online Ornithology course.

Here’s what the experts think

Read the complete reviews

I can’t imagine a better textbook, or a general reference for aspiring or established ornithologists and naturalists.Craig W. Benkman, Robert B. Berry Distinguished Chair in Ecology, University of Wyoming

…this book is full memorable and well explained information and of course, beautiful depictions of birds of all feathers.Mark E. Hauber, Editor of The Auk and Interim University Vice Provost for Research, City University of New York

…a stimulating read and a wonderful reference volume for anyone curious about birds from any level of expertise.Peter Marra, Director, Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center

…anyone wanting a single resource to organize their learning of conceptual principles of modern biology could do no better than this book, Darren E. Irwin, Professor of Zoology and Curator of Birds at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum, University of British Columbia

…a remarkable achievement – it is a must have for every professional and amateur ornithologist or other ‘student’ interested in birds and natural systems.Bette Loiselle, Director, Tropical Conservation and Development Program & Professor, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida

It is extremely well written and beautifully designed, making it a pleasure to read. …both user-friendly and of the highest academic quality.Arnon Lotem, Professor, Department of Zoology, Tel-Aviv University

The book will serve equally well as an introduction to bird biology for the interested layperson or as a text for a university course in ornithology. A truly remarkable and comprehensive book, it will also provide a useful reference and refresher
for the professional ornithologist.Richard T. Holmes, Harris Professor of Environmental Biology Emeritus, Dartmouth College

Whether you are simply fascinated by how birds have become adapted to nearly every corner of our planet –including the mastery of flight – or have a deep academic interest in this group of animals, The Handbook of Bird Biology is an unrivaled
resource.Rebecca Safran, Associate Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder

…I recommend the Handbook of Bird Biology with much enthusiasm to everyone interested in learning about birds and submerging into their fascinating biology.Pablo Luis Tubaro, Curator of Ornithology and Director, Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales

Created by a team of renowned ornithologists and educators


Authors and Contributors (alphabetical)

Regan Elizabeth Adkins
Elizabeth Adkins-Regan
Author, Cornell University
Alcock__John3
John Alcock
Author, Arizona State University
Kimberly Bostwick
Kimberly Bostwick
Author, Cornell University
Myrah Bridwell
Myrah Bridwell
Permissions Editor, Cornell University
Becca Brunner
Rebecca Brunner
Developmental Editor, Cornell University
Bruce Byers
Bruce Byers
Author, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Alexandra Class-Freeman
Art Program Editor, Cornell University
Howard Evans
Howard Evans
Author, Cornell University
John Fitzpatrick
John Fitzpatrick
Editor and Author, Cornell University
Russell Greenberg
Russell Greenberg
Author, Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center
Walter Koenig
Walter Koenig
Author, Cornell University
Donald Kroodsma
Donald Kroodsma
Author, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Irby Lovette
Irby Lovette
Managing Editor and Author, Cornell University
Scott McWilliams
Scott McWilliams
Author, University of Rhode Island
Theunis Piersma
Theunis Piersma
Author, University of Groningen
Tom Sherry
Tom Sherry
Author, Tulane University
Mya Thompson
Mya Thompson
Online Content Director, Cornell University
Bret Tobalske
Bret Tobalske
Author, University of Montana
Carol Vleck
Carol Vleck
Author, Iowa State University
David Winkler
David Winkler
Author, Cornell University

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