Tawny Frogmouth

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Second Edition By: Gisela Kaplan

eBook - July 2018 - eRetailers

A fully revised, easy-to-read second edition providing the most comprehensive single study of tawny frogmouths.

The tawny frogmouth is one of Australia’s most intriguing and endearing birds. Written by award-winning author Gisela Kaplan, one of Australia’s leading authorities on animal behaviour and native birds, this second edition of Tawny Frogmouth presents an easy-to-read account of these unique nocturnal birds, which can be found across almost the entire continent. Fully revised and updated throughout, this book combines 20 years of systematic observation with published research and information from regional surveys, and represents the most comprehensive single study ever conducted on tawny frogmouths. + Full description

We learn that tawny frogmouths are very affectionate, have close bonds with lifelong partners, scream like prowling tomcats when distressed, fight with lightning speed and defend nest sites from reptilian predators by mobbing and spraying pungent faeces at them. Uncompromising male fights are contrasted with the touching gentleness of males as fathers. We also learn how resilient and unusual tawny frogmouths are in the way they cope with heat and cold and scarcity of water, sit out danger, and use a large variety of food items.

This fascinating book has a wide appeal to bird lovers, amateur ornithologists and naturalists, as well as those with a scientific or professional interest in native birds, their communication, emotions and skills.

- Short description

Reviews

"The main strength of the book lies in the author’s personal observations, spanning more than 2 decades, of Tawny Frogmouth behaviors, and her hypotheses to explain these behaviors and the structures that make them possible."
William E. Davis, The Wilson Journal of Ornithology, 130(3), September 2018

"I have never seen a frogmouth, and probably never will, but I have enjoyed this remarkable book and learned much that is new to me, enhancing my interest and admiration for this bird and all birds. Professor Kaplan is to be heartily congratulated for producing an outstanding book on a truly amazing bird!! I thoroughly recommend it if you are at all interested in more than just putting a name to a bird!"
Norman McCanch, KOS News - newsletter of the Kent Ornithological Society #516, September 2018

"I reckon that the Tawny Frogmouth is one of those birds that many birders know of but not many know a lot about them. If this is your experience, take heart and read what Gisela Kaplan writes about them from her long-term observations and research... I am sure you will be surprised by many aspects of Tawny Frogmouth behaviour as I was. Get your copy and enjoy reading all about them."
Gil Porter, Warbler 7(3), September 2018

"Extremely interesting and easy to read. Gisela catches your attention immediately."
Maureen Gardner, The Naturalist News (Western Australian Naturalists' Club newsletter), November 2018

"Gisela Kaplan extends one’s understanding of the complexities and diversity of birds - specifically with regard the Tawny Frogmouth. After reading this fascinating and scientific book you will look at all species with new eyes! I thoroughly recommend this book to everyone."
Amanda Thomson, The Tasmanian Naturalist 140, 2018

"An engaging and well-researched overview of this intriguing Australian bird of the night."
Matthew Higgins, Canberra Bird Notes 43(3), December 2018

"This second edition of Tawny Frogmouth presents an easy-to-read account of these unique, affectionate, and resilient nocturnal birds, which can be found across almost the entire continent... This book represents the most comprehensive single study ever conducted on tawny frogmouths."
Readings Monthly, July 2018

"Whether you are a scientific researcher, have an interest in birds and avian behaviour or just enjoy observing and listening to birds, this book will have great appeal for you."
Marian Weaving, Corella Vol 43, 2018

Details

Paperback | July 2018 | $ 39.99
ISBN: 9781486308163 | 168 pages | 245 x 170 mm
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Illustrations, Photographs

ePDF | July 2018
ISBN: 9781486308170
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Available from eRetailers

ePUB | July 2018
ISBN: 9781486308187
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Available from eRetailers

Features

A complete overview of one of Australia’s most intriguing birds
Presents engaging behavioural anecdotes alongside scientific research
Written by one of Australia’s leading animal behaviour researchers

Preamble
1 What and where they are
2 General anatomy
3 The brain and the senses
4 Daily life and adaptations
5 Feeding and territory
6 Bonding and breeding
7 Development
8 Emotions, vocal behaviour and communication
Epilogue
Endnotes
Index
View the full table of contents (PDF, 54kb)

Authors

Gisela Kaplan is Emeritus Professor in Animal Behaviour at the University of New England and an Honorary Professor at the Queensland Brain Institute. She is the author of over 250 research articles and 21 books and has conducted groundbreaking research into vocal learning, communication and cognition in birds and other vertebrates. She holds two PhDs and an honorary DSc for her contributions to life sciences. In addition to extensive research on birds in the wild, for the past two decades she has also raised and rehabilitated injured native birds.