Author: Bella K. Swan

We perspire. Dogs pant. Horses drool after a run. But stand on a hot summer afternoon and watch a bird, and you may wonder: do birds sweat? The short answer is no. Birds do not have sweat glands. They do not have a body type that is adapted to sweating. They have other methods of cooling down—methods that have been developed through millions of years of evolution. This book explores the whole truth about bird cooling. We will learn why birds don’t sweat, how birds cool themselves, what behavior you can look out for, how different species adapt, and what…

Birthdays are not merely days. They’re something which represents something. We do have flowers and birthstones, but perhaps you did not know that there are birth month birds. Each month is symbolized by a bird symbol for nature, values, and virtues. The birds stand for love, loyalty, courage, peace, wisdom, or joy based on season and bird. Similar to zodiac signs, birth month birds give people ways of existing in the world in terms of nature and self. Interwoven throughout the book are all twelve birth month birds, their history, meaning, cultural symbolism, and how they influence art, poetry, and…

There are birds that leave us breathless with music. There are birds that leave us breathless with magnitude. And there are birds that leave us on our knees with wonder, with strength, or with magnitude. They are majestic birds. From bird-headed eagles riding mountain skies to cranes riding overhead above marshland, these lovely birds are living testaments to freedom, secrets, and beauty. They’re gods worshipped, so-beautifully painted upon canvas by artists and snapped by tourists for souvenirs. They’re flighty, they’re everywhere, but there is something that binds them in one: they’re beautiful. This is the world’s magnificent bird book. We’re…

Beaches make islands become famous. Coral reefs make islands become famous. Island birds make islands become famous. Forests, cliffs, and lagoons on an island are bird heavens of gem feathers. Such birds are known as Ginger Island Gem Birds because they resemble gems within green scenery and blue skies. From emerald hummingbirds to the scarlet macaws, they show their beauty on their feathers. They are an innumerable number of birds. They are the personification of strength, beauty, and freedom. They embrace birders from all over the world, but they are culture and lifestyle in and around their native country. This…

China is huge. It stretches from snow-white Tibetan Himalayas to the Yangtze wetlands, from Xinjiang deserts to the Yunnan forests. China traverses all the habitats. And that comes with a bird diversity that has no parallel. The question that comes to our mind is, what Chinese birds inhabit the nation? The answer is thousands. China has over 1,300 species of birds. There are the mundane ones like the sparrow and magpie. There are cosmic birds like the red-crowned crane and crested ibis. Chinese birds in general leave their mark in history, culture, and all spheres of life. Chinese birds inhabit…

North Carolina is a mountain state, woodlands state, sea state, and marsh state. No wonder, then, that the state is full of an incredible array of birds. Birders never tire of asking the same question: what NC birds can be seen throughout the state? Hundreds, the reply. From yard chickadees and cardinals to ospreys by the coast, NC birds bring color and melody to every corner of the state. Some stay year-round. Others stop by. All contribute to the state’s appearance and sound. This book takes you along with North Carolina’s birds. You’ll get to know the backyard regulars, mountain…

Feeding the birds is part of the joy of life. A few handfuls of seed in a bird feeder, and the garden rings with wings and song. But the seeds are not created equal. Sunflower, millet, peanuts, and thistle each have their detractors. One seed, however, fascinates many people: safflower. The question is an old one Which birds enjoy safflower seed? The list includes some of the most popular treats of the garden. Cardinals, chickadees, titmice, grosbeaks, and finches are fans. Mourning doves and nuthatches are part of the party too. Starlings, grackles, and squirrels disapprove. That is the reason…

Bird nests are tiny wonders. Branches, grass, mud, and even feathers stitched together. They provide protection for eggs and young chicks from the outside world and predators. Every year, we see birds making new nests each spring. But when spring’s passed and chicks flown the coop, humans are left to ponder: do birds reuse nests? The answer is not that simple. Some birds recycle a nest. Some build upon others they did not build. Some just leave them. It depends upon the bird, how worn down the nest is, and the risk factor. This handbook will walk you through the…

Birds are not lazy. They fly, sing, hunt, and travel long distances. Behind all this movement is one query people pose: do birds drink water? Yes, water is needed by all birds. Some drink puddles, some skim rivers, and others even lick tiny droplets on leaves. Water is the villain of thirst. Water brings the body temperature down. Water facilitates digestion. Water preps feathers. Without water, there would be no living bird. However, birds do not drink like humans. Beaks, tongues, and even instincts control the ways birds drink. This tutorial is going to take you into the world of…

Grapes are among the most celebrated and coveted fruits of the world. They are delicious and juicy, lovely and render the world’s tables, lunch boxes, and vineyards pretty. But have you ever stood still and asked yourself the question: do birds eat grapes? Yes, short of it. Grapes are a bird favorite. From thieving robins raiding garden vines to parrots in home environments snacking on halves of grapes, several species just can’t help themselves when it comes to them. Grapes provide instant energy, water, and variety. There are safe ways and unsafe ways of providing them, though. This article has…