Bird Talk : What Birds Are Saying and Why

Children's Literature Even in the city, people encounter birds and their songs/talk. From pigeons to penguins birds all over the world communicate with one another. They may sing a special song to attract a mate or many songs to show off their talents and stress that they will with their extensive repertoire will be the best mate. There are birds that do not sing but make noises like the booming of the male sage grouse or the strutting turkey who gobbles but really uses his wattle to win a mate. Some birds like the blue-footed booby do a dance as do western grebes and Indian Sarus cranes. How does a penguin ever find its little chick in a rookery filled with screaming little ones. It is not clear, but the parents do recognize the cries of their very own baby chick. Some birds use camouflage to protect themselves and their young; others can pretend to be injured to trick a predator and draw it away from the eggs in a nest. When a larger bird may be attacking smaller birds, they screech and warn each other or there may just be a short peep to warn other birds to take cover. The book is packed with interesting facts, all beautifully illustrated with realistic watercolor pictures of the birds. The closing pages offer even more information about the birds in the book. A wonderful selection to introduce children to birds and to encourage bird watching. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot

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