Birds at Rest - by Roger Pasquier (Hardcover)

About the Book

"A wide-ranging account of how birds spend the quiet half of their lives Birds at Rest is the first book to give a full picture of how birds rest, roost, and sleep, a vital part of their lives. It features new science that can measure what is happening in a bird's brain over the course of a night or when it has flown to another hemisphere, as well as still-valuable observations by legendary naturalists such as John James Audubon, Alfred Russel Wallace, and Theodore Roosevelt. Much of what they saw and what ornithologists are studying today can be observed and enjoyed by any birder.From the poles to the tropics, how, when, and where birds sleep reflect the ecology and behavior of each species, as well as their evolution from dinosaur ancestors. Some sleep briefly, their brain half awake, others spend long cold nights in torpor, a few can sleep while flying. Their roosting habits are also varied. Most birds sleep alone, some in pairs or families, while others in flocks of millions. Birds at Rest explains how each strategy works over the course of a season, a year, or a lifetime by providing protection, mating opportunities, information about food, and other survival benefits.With evocative drawings by artist and illustrator Margaret La Farge, Birds at Rest discusses how environmental challenges such as artificial lights and noise, invasive species, and climate change are disrupting avian sleep and proposes solutions to ensure that birds get the rest they need"--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

A wide-ranging account of how birds spend the quiet half of their lives

Birds at Rest is the first book to give a full picture of how birds rest, roost, and sleep, a vital part of their lives. It features new science that can measure what is happening in a bird's brain over the course of a night or when it has flown to another hemisphere, as well as still-valuable observations by legendary naturalists such as John James Audubon, Alfred Russel Wallace, and Theodore Roosevelt. Much of what they saw and what ornithologists are studying today can be observed and enjoyed by any birder.

From the poles to the tropics, how, when, and where birds sleep reflect the ecology and behavior of each species, as well as their evolution from dinosaur ancestors. Some sleep briefly, their brain half awake, others spend long cold nights in torpor, and a few can sleep while flying. Their roosting habits are also varied. Most birds sleep alone, some in pairs or families, while others in flocks of millions. Birds at Rest explains how each strategy works over the course of a season, a year, or a lifetime by providing protection, mating opportunities, information about food, and other survival benefits.

With evocative drawings by artist and illustrator Margaret La Farge, Birds at Rest discusses how environmental challenges such as artificial lights and noise, invasive species, and climate change are disrupting avian sleep and proposes solutions to ensure that birds get the rest they need.

Review Quotes

"[A] deep and intimate review of the phenomenon of avian sleep and the behaviors and ecology of birds in relation to sleep."---Dan R. Kunkle, Wildlife Activist

"This book gives you the science behind choices and the 'why' of it all - migrants sheltering from an Africa sun, massed gatherings to avoid predators, hidden caves and salt lakes. . . . As an added bonus the work is sprinkled with fine drawings and iconic species. There is much to learn and enjoy."-- "Fatbirder"

"Pasquier draws from a huge number of reports on the roosting behavior of birds from around the world, so it is likely that you will find entries for your favorite avian species in the index."---Laurence A. Marschall, Natural History

"This book is a must-read."---Ian Paulsen, The Birdbooker Report

"New and highly original. . . . [I] have a much deeper appreciation for all that science can tell us about what's happening in a bird's body and brain."---Marc Bekoff, Psychology Today

"Birders craving a deep dive will stay up late with this roosting book."---Ron Charles, Washington Post

"I think it is a pretty safe bet that many birders, even those with years of practice and experience, have wondered little about the period when birds are at rest, and especially asleep. A thorough knowledge of this aspect of avian life can improve your birding success and enhance your enjoyment. Embrace this book with gusto!"---David Gascoigne, Travels with Birds

"Pasquier packs in a bounty of surprising trivia . . . and La Farge's dreamy black-and-white pencil drawings are an added treat. Birders will be entranced."-- "Publishers Weekly"

"This research is important and worthwhile for a fuller understanding of birds' lives, their ecological roles, and their particular vulnerabilities as species counts worldwide are declining. . . . A fascinating look at this least-observed avian activity."-- "Library Journal"

About the Author

Roger F. Pasquier, a lifelong birder, has had a career with BirdLife International, the World Wildlife Fund, the Environmental Defense Fund, and the National Audubon Society. He is currently an associate in the Department of Ornithology at the American Museum of Natural History. His books include Birds in Winter: Surviving the Most Challenging Season (Princeton).