The Empire of the Eagle: An Illustrated Natural History

Автор: Unwin Mike
Название: Rspb Spotlight Swifts and Swallows
ISBN: 1472950119 ISBN-13(EAN): 9781472950116
Издательство: Bloomsbury Academic
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Цена: 2058.00 р.
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Описание:

The RSPB Spotlight series introduces a selection of iconic UK wildlife to the general reader. This latest title focuses upon the swallow and the swift, two well known birds that, although unrelated, are often combined--and, indeed, confused--in the popular imagination.

Traditional heralds of the European summer, swallows and swifts have many things in common. Both feed on aerial insects and are thus similarly adapted for an aerial lifestyle, with long wings, aerodynamic bodies, and fast agile flight. Both have a penchant for breeding on or around buildings, bringing them into close contact with people. And both are long-distance migrants, departing our insect-free shores in autumn to spend winter in sub-Saharan Africa then returning the follow spring. These seemingly miraculous journeys, combined with a predilection for returning to the same building to breed year after year, has seen both birds embedded deep in our cultural heritage.

Appearances, however, can be deceptive. Swallows and swifts are not related. Swallows (which also include martins) belong to the order Passeriformes, or "perching birds," alongside the likes of sparrows and robins. Swifts belong to the order Apodiformes, alongside hummingbirds. The striking similarities come down to "convergent evolution," a process by which animals from separate evolutionary roots evolve to resemble one another--in this case, by adapting to the shared demands of a life spent catching small flying insects. The similarities are so striking that it is perhaps unsurprising how often swifts and swallows are confused.

This highly readable study looks closely at both birds, examining both their differences and similarities. Separate chapters cover all aspects of their biology and lifestyle, from their mind-boggling migrations to the mud construction of their nests. Fascinating secrets are revealed, such as how swifts may pass an entire year in flight without once landing. Finally, it examines the relationship that we have enjoyed with these birds since time immemorial, spanning both culture and conservation, and offers expert tips on where and how you can watch them for yourself.

Автор: Mike Unwin
Название: Migration
ISBN: 1408889919 ISBN-13(EAN): 9781408889916
Издательство: Bloomsbury
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Цена: 2226.00 р.
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Описание: Animals of all shapes and sizes make epic journeys across our planet, through harsh weather, avoiding hungry predators, in their efforts to survive. Travel around the globe with some of the world's most incredible animals and discover their unique migration stories. Follow the emperor penguin through snow, ice and bitter temperatures; watch as the great white shark swims 10,000 km in search of seals; track huge herds of elephants, on their yearly hunt for water and be amazed at the millions of red crabs, migrating across Christmas Island.

With stunning colour illustrations, uncover the astonishing migrations of 20 creatures, in this truly inspiring narrative. Written by Mike Unwin, a UK Travel Writer of the Year, and illustrated by Jenni Desmond, winner of the New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book, prepare yourself for a journey like no other. Follow the amazing migrations of these 20 creatures: Arctic tern, barn swallow, bar-headed goose, ruby-throated hummingbird, osprey, wandering albatross, whooping crane, emperor penguin, African elephant, blue wildebeest, caribou, straw-coloured fruit bat, humpback whale, green turtle, Southern pilchard, salmon, great white shark, monarch butterfly, globe skimmer dragonfly, Christmas Island red crab