Christopher W. Leahy

A captivating A–Z treasury about birds and birdingBirdpedia is an engaging illustrated compendium of bird facts and birding lore. Featuring nearly 200 entries—on topics ranging from plumage and migration to birds in art, literature, and folklore—this enticing collection is brimming with wisdom and wit about all things avian.Christopher Leahy sheds light on "hawk-watching," "twitching," and other rituals from the sometimes mystifying world of birding that entail a good deal more than their names imply. He explains what kind of bird's nests you can eat, why mocking birds mock, and many other curiosities that have induced otherwise sane people to peer into treetops using outrageously expensive optical equipment. Leahy shares illuminating insights about pioneering ornithologists such as John James Audubon and Florence Bailey, and describes unique bird behaviors such as anting, caching, duetting, and mobbing. He discusses avian fossils, the colloquial naming of birds, the science and history of ornithology, and more. The book's convenient size makes it the perfect traveling companion to take along on your own avian adventures.With charming illustrations by Abby McBride, Birdpedia is a marvelous mix of fact and fancy that is certain to delight seasoned birders and armchair naturalists alike.Features a cloth cover with an elaborate foil-stamped design

Mongolia is a huge, landlocked central Asian country encompassing a wide range of habitats, including forests, vast treeless plains, the Altai Mountains, and, of course, the Gobi Desert. With an avian population that reflects this diverse landscape, the country is rapidly becoming a popular destination for birders. The first field guide dedicated to the birds of Mongolia, this beautiful volume provides in-depth details for 502 species, including all residents, migrants, and vagrants. Gombobaatar Sundev, Mongolia's most famous ornithologist, and Christopher Leahy follow traditional field-guide design with lavish color plates--112 in total--depicting every species and many distinct plumages and races. Authoritative text on facing pages explores identification, voice, habitat, behavior, and status. Detailed maps not to be found anywhere else accompany the species entries. Birds of Mongolia is an indispensable guide for birders, adventurers, and all those interested in this central Asian nation.The first dedicated field guide to the birds of MongoliaIn-depth details for 502 species, including all residents, migrants, and vagrants112 lavish color platesAuthoritative text explores identification, voice, habitat, behavior, and statusUp-to-date distribution maps for all species