The Genius of Birds Hardcover – 21 April 2016

I find myself looking at birds the way you look sideways at someone you previously underestimated. Entertainingly written.

Written with extraordinary clarity it benefits from the author’s detailed field work as well as her extensive reading. Both the references and the careful index enable the reader to engage with the picture it paints of the varied lives of Birds and the world they inhabit. It is a book to keep and treasure.

Now I'm a dog girl, but I think I have been won over to the winged species! Raised and answered so many interesting questions. I will never look at birds in the same way again

Thoroughly researched, very interesting book. An eye-opener. A must read for every bird lover and for people with an interest in animal cognition.

A fine book indeed! A shame that the sellers packed it in a single plastic bag, while rendering it showerproof but no protection from the knocks that are inevitable during transit. The corners of my copy were sadly somewhat bruised though still intact.

This book is absolutely amazing and I thoroughly recommend it to any bird lover. It is a book that can be picked up from time to time to read a paragraph and absorb the information. What clever creatives birds are, I have learnt so much and it really makes you think.

This is a comprehensive guide to the work that has been done by scientists around the World on bird intelligence and behaviour. Easy to read and understand, it adds a lot to the enjoyment of those of us who enjoy watching them.

Captivated me and also my dad, as bought for him after reading 1st chapter on my kindle!

This is a well researched, scientific and comprehensive review and comment on an important facet of animal kingdom brain function. It is the best I have found so far in years of searching. I write from 55 years of direct and personal experience of bird intelligence.

If you're even slightly interested in bird intelligence, this is a good introduction, and if you're a seasoned reader you'll still find out some new things. I especially like how the book doesn't just feature classically intelligent birds like corvids and parrots, but also talks about niche intelligence in bower birds, songbirds, and other birds not usually featured in these works.

The Genius of Birds, now translated into a German version under the title "Genies der Lüfte" finally does away with the prevalent view of birds as pretty, colourful automatons who are prurely instinct-driven and have no capacity for problem-solving or innovation. It has become common knowledge that corvids and psittacines are on the level of a four-year-old human child, but passerines are usually underestimated as to their abilities. In a lively, never technical account which is accessible to all readers, Mrs Ackermann describes birds' actions by species, presenting convincing reactions and actions that demonstrate that, under all those feathers, there is far more to be discovered than we could have imagined.For anyone who is interested in birds and their behaviour, or for people who have taken a bird or birds into their home, here is the proof that the behaviour of these beings has far more behind it than instinct alone.

I loved every single page I read from this book. Lots and lots of information about research efforts to better understand how intelligent birds really are. And oh boy, are they really smart feather creatures! I particularly liked the chapter where quantum biology tries to explain how some migratory birds like the European Robin finds its way. A must read for any serious bird lover.

A real eye opener to the intelligence of birds, and an explanation of the neural density of their brains which allows them to, among other things, store thousands of seeds in different locations and later recall their location. Crows can solve complex problems through trial and error, and modify tools for specific purposes. They remember humans who’ve mistreated them and have attacked the same. Passionately written and informed by the latest research, this book will amaze and entertain you.

Delightful read by an entertaining knowledgeable and talented writer. This book is bound to amaze and thrill the curious minded. As stunning as the information is there is also a dire portend of what has already begun in bird species due to climatic change. Highly recommend.

By illustrating in a clear and practical manner the characteristics and remarkable abilities of various bird species this book astonished me. You will clearly note that birds, with their use of tools, their vocalizations, their social life, their amazing memory and their "artistic" inclinations can be considered a mirror of humans and human society. Their ability to adapt to new situations and environments is astonishing. By the end of the book you'll look at a crow with marvel and even the common pigeon will have earned a bit of yoir respect.

A fascinating and informative read about the genius of our feathered brethren and the challenges they face on a daily and yearly basis in this rapidly changing environment.

A detailed book exploring how birds solve problems in many different situations, leading the reader to wonder how intelligent they really are. I found this book opened my eyes to bird behaviors.

This book is a mix of studies and facts that show the intelligence of birds in different aspects. It can be easily read. It is shorter than it seems, as almost half of it are acknowledgements and references.

Received this book promptly in excellent condition. It is a factual, interesting read based on comprehensive research. Very enjoyable and enlightening.

Great book. Lots of information. I was fascinated by the comparison of brain size and enjoyed the explanation of chickadee language.

Fascinating reflections on the behaviours and intelligence of birds and their adaptation to the environment. Very readable and endorses reasons why we should protect these creatures rather than destroy them.

This is a very interesting and informative book that all birders should read. It arrived faster than expected, and I am so glad I ordered it.

bon livre montrant un aspect intéressant de la vie et de l'intelligence des oiseaux