A richly illustrated look at bird anatomyThere is more to a bird than simply feathers. And just because birds evolved from a single flying ancestor doesn't mean they are structurally all the same. With over 385 stunning drawings depicting 200 species, The Unfeathered Bird is a richly illustrated book on bird anatomy that offers refreshingly original insights into what goes on beneath the feathered surface. Each exquisite drawing is made from an actual specimen and reproduced in sumptuous large format. The birds are shown in lifelike positions and engaged in behavior typical of the species: an underwater view of the skeleton of a swimming loon, the musculature of a porpoising penguin, and an unfeathered sparrowhawk plucking its prey. Jargon-free and easily accessible to any reader, the lively text relates birds' anatomy to their lifestyle and evolution, examining such questions as why penguins are bigger than auks, whether harrier hawks really have double-jointed legs, and the difference between wing claws and wing spurs. A landmark in popular bird books, The Unfeathered Bird is a must for anyone who appreciates birds or bird art.

Acknowledgments viii

A Note about Names x


Introduction xii


Part One: Generic
The Trunk 2
The Head and Neck 8
The Hind Limbs 14
The Wings and Tail 19


Part Two: Specific


I Accipitres 30
Vultures 32
Birds of Prey 35
Owls 44

II Picae 52
Parrots 54
Turacos and Others 58
Kingfishers 62
Hornbills and Allies 65
Toucans and Barbets 70
Woodpeckers 74
Hummingbirds 80

III Anseres 84
Waterfowl / Domestic Waterfowl 86
Penguins 104
Loons 114
Grebes 119
Albatrosses, Petrels, and
Storm Petrels 124
Tropicbirds and Frigatebirds 132
Pelicans 136
Gannets 139
Cormorants and Darters 144
Gulls, Terns, Skimmers, and Skuas 150
Auks 154

IV Grallae 162
Flamingos 164
Herons 167
Shoebill 173
Storks, Ibises, and Spoonbills 174
Cranes 181
Rails 185
Kagu 190
Waders 192

V Gallinae 202
Gamebirds / Domestic Fowl 205
Screamers 220
Hoatzin 223
Ostrich, Kiwis, and Other Ratites 226
Tinamous 237
Bustards 239
Sandgrouse 242
Dodo and Solitaire 244

VI Passeres 248
Pigeons / Domestic Pigeons 250
Nightjars 258
Swifts 263
Passerines 266



Index 284