Book review: "What it's Like to be a Bird" by David Allen Sibley

David Allen Sibley’s new book, What it’s Like to be a Bird, is a collection of short essays containing some of the more interesting facts about birds. In the book’s introduction, Sibley writes that in compiling his research, he became convinced that birds routinely make complex decisions and experience emotions. And if it was surprising to him, a renowned bird expert, then he realized it would be surprising to other people as well. To be called a “bird brain” is actually a compliment.

Sibley chose to focus on some of the more common North American species with each essay focusing on a particular detail of bird biology.  Did you know that the placement of owls’ ears is asymmetrical with one angled up and the other down to improve their ability to locate sounds? Or that despite what the cartoon depicts, coyotes are faster than a roadrunner?

The book is meant for browsing. Choose one of your favorite birds, the American Robin or the Baltimore oriole and discover facts you probably never knew. And you’ll want to linger on each page to enjoy Sibley’s illustrations. Understand that this book is not meant to be a field guide, nor does it include every bird on the continent. But if you love birds, you'll love this book. 

Enjoy,  jjthebackyardbirder.com