<p><b><i> "The photos and illustrations in this large volume are so beautiful that one is tempted to skim the text. . . . That, however, would be a mistake: while brief, the text provides all the information readers need to understand the how, why and where of bird migration." </i><br>-- Publishers Weekly <i>(starred review)</i></b></p><p>Every year, billions of birds leave their North American breeding grounds for winter quarters thousands of miles south. That so many birds migrate so far through life-threatening conditions and to the same place each year is simply stunning.</p><p>This lavishly illustrated book provides comprehensive information on migration and its great mystery: How do the birds know where to go? The latest scientific discoveries are explained, and a comprehensive directory presents accurate profiles and chronicles the migratory routes of more than 500 typical migrant species. Colorful maps, photographs, calendars and fact files feature easy-to-read symbols and abbreviations.</p><p><b><i>Atlas of Bird Migration</i></b> includes:</p><ul><li>North American birds of prey<li>Hummingbirds, grosbeaks and starlings<li>Eurasian shorebirds, storks and cranes<li>Winter visitors from the Far North, such as swans, geese and finches<li>African, South American and Australasian migrants<li>Migratory sea birds, such as penguins, albatrosses and terns. </li></ul><p>The use of satellite tracking methods, current environmental threats and conservation initiatives are explained, and a comprehensive catalog of migrating species from all continents closes the book.</p>