The Life Histories Of New Zealand Birds

Local Description

Second-Hand. Dust jacket still in good condition, hard cover still very good.

Description

Doubtless this book would serve a useful purpose if it embraced no more than its title implies - a description of the Birds of New Zealand. For its author is entitled to speak as one having authority on this theme. But he has seized the opportunity of presenting the avifauna of New Zealand in a new light, since he has crammed his pages with facts bearing on the too-long neglected problems which come under the head of " Ecology." That is to say, he gives great prominence to life histories, which include plumage-changes, the care of the young, and their development, habits and habitats, and food, the effects of climate, and of isolation as seen in Island forms. He has also something to say on the ever-increasing importance of the economic status of New Zealand Birds. On all these themes he displays a rare insight, and the gift of presenting his facts in simple and forceful language, so that he who runs may read.

This aspect of the book immensely enlarges its sphere of usefulness. For it touches upon problems which concern not merely Ornithologists in New Zealand, and beyond, but also that larger body of naturalists collectively described as “Biologists." Those who have drunk deep of the good things contained in this first volume will look forward with the greatest eagerness to the completed work. For it will prove, to all who consult its pages, a source both of revelation and inspiration, as stimulating as a generous wine.