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Stray Feathers

Reflections on the Structure, Behaviour and Evolution of Birds

By: Penny Olsen, Leo Joseph

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Paperback | 30 March 2026

At a Glance

Paperback
288 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
26.01 x 19.99 x 1.98

Paperback

$93.75

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Stray Feathers showcases some of the remarkable adaptations of Australian birds. A brief introduction describes how evolution shapes form and function, followed by a series of vignettes illustrating the wondrous variety of forms and functions shaped by evolution. For example, did you know that Barn Owls can hunt in absolute darkness and that cuckoos commence incubation before their egg is laid?

Sections include anatomy and physiology; the senses; giving voice; tongues talking; plumage; getting around; finding and handling food; optimizing foraging and feeding; reducing competition; using "tools"; communicating; quality vs quantity; courtship; nests; parental care; chicks; and living together.

The book is superbly illustrated with black and white drawings of a range of birds, making it a worthy addition to the bookshelves of bird lovers everywhere.

KEY FEATURES
* Gives the reader a deeper understanding of the role of evolution in shaping the form and function we so often admire in birds
* Superb illustrations

Industry Reviews

"Stray Feathers is an appropriate, yet accurately ambiguous title for this volume. Olsen and Joseph, both experienced writers and ornithologists, have produced a series of vignettes addressing a wide range of topics, all fouced on evolution of structure and behavior in Australian birds. The individual entries range from a few sentences in length to essays covering two pages, and nearly all are accompanied by beautifully executed black-and-white drawings. The entries are loosely combined into focused "chapters", the titles of which are generally explantaory... The result, snapshots of Australian bird life, is not meant specifically to be a reference volume. The writing is well done and the topics are very interesting. True bird lovers will like this book. Academic libraries with strong ornithological holdings will want a copy. Summing Up: Recommended."-- (06/01/2012)

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You Can Find This Book In

Non-Fiction Nature & The Natural World Wildlife in General Wildlife & Birds & Birdwatching Science Biology, Life Sciences Zoology & Animal Sciences Zoology & Vertebrates Birds & Ornithology

Anatomy and physiology
The senses
Giving voice
Tongues talking
Plumage
Getting around
Finding and handling food
Optimising foraging and feeding
Reducing competition
Using `toolsâÇÖ
Communicating
Quality vs quantity
Courtship
Nests
Parental care
Chicks: behaving badly
Behaving well
Living together: same species
Living together: different species
Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.

Stray Feathers

Reflections on the Structure, Behaviour and Evolution of Birds

At a Glance

Paperback

Industry Reviews

Shipping

How to return your order

Defective items

You Can Find This Book In

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