Humans have long been captivated by birds; they have been featured prominently in art, mythology, and folklore as symbols of wisdom and truth, strength and power, beauty and death. Humans are perhaps most in awe of birds' ability to fly. Flight has enabled them to colonize virtually every habitat. Birds also display a great diversity of color and form. They are united by the possession of feathers--the defining characteristic of birds. Many species are threatened by habitat destruction and extinction, and their survival is dependent on our appreciation and understanding and the preservation of their habitats. This beautifully illustrated book, with more than 200 magnificent color photographs and 150 original paintings, maps, and diagrams, presents an up-to-date and comprehensive survey of the natural history of birds. The authoritative text has been written by the world's leading ornithologists and includes the most recent scientific findings in a stimulating presentation.