A beautiful and fascinating portrait of the world's most extreme birds, from the biggest and fastest, to the smelliest and smartest. Birds are among the most popular and fascinating of all living things. They amaze us with their variety, stun us with their beauty, and intrigue us with their ingenuity. Packed with astonishing facts and absorbing detail, this lavishly illustrated book brings together the extremes of the bird world, including the fastest flyer, the deepest diver, the craftiest builder and the funniest forager. Featured alongside more conventional record breakers are some truly remarkable birds, such as the male emperor penguin that fasts for four months at a time, the Caledonian crow that uses tools fashioned out of leaves to skewer grubs, and the irrepressible kea that slides down tree trunks just for fun. An exploration of exceptional forms, bizarre habits and fantastic feats, Extreme Birds reveals the extraordinary and often complex ways in which birds cope with the countless challenges of life.