Hummingbirds: A Beginner's Guide - Softcover

Aziz, Laurel

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1552093727 ISBN 13: 9781552093726

Publisher: Firefly Books Ltd, 2002

Synopsis

The hummingbird brings a whole new meaning to the word "unique". Boasting the smallest bird in the world, this family ranges from the inch long bumblebee hummingbird to the giant hummingbird, which reaches a length of eight inches. The bird's metabolism is as powerful as the engine of a high-performance race car, its heart pumping at a stunning 1,260 beats per minute to maintain a steamy body temperature of 40 degrees C. Its mighty chest muscles account for more than one third of its weight and allow it to flap disproportionately large wings at a dizzying 50 to 200 times per second.

About this title

Review:

A reader who takes in all Aziz has to say about hummingbirds, and their place in nature and human society, will have learned a lot about biology and ecology along the way.--Gwyneth Evans"Quill and Quire" (06/01/2002)

A visually stunning, informative, well researched work.--Eva Wilson"Resource Links" (08/01/2002)

Offers a good deal of information illustrated with many clearly reproduced, brightly colored photographs from many sources.--Carolyn Phelan"Booklist" (06/15/2002)

The descriptive writing and the intriguing life of these hummers make this more than a beginner's guide ... This book could serve as a springboard to more reading about or observation of these little creatures; at the very least, readers will want to put up a hummingbird feeder.-- (07/01/2002)

Throughout, the book is generously illustrated with full-colour, close-up photographs of hummingbirds, often full page. While some photos are just decorative, most are functional and are used to illustrate the points being made in the text. While a fact book, Hummingbirds: A Beginner's Guide is also the kind of work that many children, adolescents and adults will pick up just as recreational reading. Highly Recommended.-- (04/12/2002)

A good starting point for those who wish to explore these extraordinary birds.--Bird Talk (04/01/2003)

About the Author:

award-winning science writer Laurel Aziz brings to life this tiny force of nature.

About this edition

• Publisher: Firefly Books Ltd
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 1552093727
• ISBN 13: 9781552093726
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 64