Review of Avian Architecture: How Birds Design, Engineer & Build

Avian Architecture: How Birds Design, Engineer, and Build [Princeton University Press] by Peter Goodfellow is beautifully illustrated with art and photos depicting how birds construct their homes.

Many birds design, engineer, and build their nests, structures which must withstand all types of weather, protect against predation, and all this under their own “bird” power. Avian Architecture is broken down into chapters covering the various types of nests: mud, platform, etc. After a brief description of the nest, there is a blueprint with labeled illustrations, materials pages with detailed photos, and case studies of specific species that make the type of nest.

This book breaks down the different nest types in an easy-to-used, organized style which helps birders make sense of the various types of nests and what types of birds use them.

You’ll discover many cool bird facts including how some birds use complex knots and weaving techniques. Plus, there is fun information about bird life history related to nesting. Did you know that after hatching, young grebes are carried on their parents’ backs for up to three weeks!

Avian Architecture is a great book to learn more insight into the world of birds and how they nest.

Disclaimer: We received this book for free from the publisher to review on Birdfreak.com. Links are Amazon Affiliate links.