"A gold mine of facts. . . . Every library and biology department, as well as every birder, should have a copy close at hand."

--Roger Tory Peterson, from the foreword

"A superb contribution to ornithology. It clearly represents the most attractive and accessible contribution to form and function in birds. This book will be of tremendous appeal to academic and lay ornithologists alike."

--Steve Zack, Yale University

"The book provides an accurate, up-to-date, self-contained course in ornithology for the advanced lay reader."

--Library Journal

"A laboratory manual for the academic student, an invaluable reference tool for artists, and a rich source of information for the ordinary birder."

--Bird Watcher's Digest

"Here is a volume that has no parallel. . . . Profusely illustrated with drawings by coauthor Lynch, this will be a good reference book for those interested in the details of avian anatomy."

--Jerome A. Jackson, Science Books & Films

"For anyone who wants to learn more about what lies under the feathers, The Manual of Ornithology has the answers. . . . As a reference work, the manual has few modern rivals."

--David Tomlinson, New Scientist

"As this book demonstrates in excellently clear drawings and text, a bird is a superbly evolved match of structure with function."

--Brian Bertram, Times Literary Supplement

"A stunning work that integrates a conversational text with abundant, artistic illustrations. . . . A valuable reference work for scientists working with birds, for bird banders and for anatomists."

--Edward H. Burtt, Jr., American Scientist

"Excellent. . . . a mine of information to anyone interested in birds at any level."

--Jonathan Coatley, Journal of Biological Education

"The text is complete and up-to-date, the authors having incorporated the most recent information available. . . . The writing is clear and easy to follow. I found it easy to retrieve information because the layout is clear and well organized, key words being highlighted in bold face characters. The definitions of ornithological terms are precise, succinct, and carefully worded. . . . It should be consulted by all students enrolled in an ornithology course. I recommend its reading also to amateurs and bird watchers who will find clear explanations about topic often difficult to access elsewhere in the ornithological literature."

--Henri Quellet, The Canadian Field Naturalist

Yale University Press Web Site, January, 2002

This book-a visual guide to the structure and anatomy of birds-is one of the most heavily illustrated ornithology references ever written. A concise atlas of avian anatomy, it contains more than 200 specially prepared, accurate, and clear drawings that include material never illustrated before. The text is as informative as the drawings; written at a level appropriate to undergraduate students and to bird lovers in general, it explains why birds look and act the way they do.