Strange Birds Book

There are more than 9,000 different species of birds in the world! Birds Up Close introduces young readers to fascinating bird facts answering questions about the aerial abilities of birds, their magnificent plumage, and astounding hunting prowess. Spectular full-color photos feature intriguing birds that live in forests, deserts, grasslands, and on water. Detailed illustrations help explain the mechanics of flight in a simple, clear way. When a bee-eater bird catches a bee, it rubs the bee against the branch to tear out the stinger before eating the menacing meal. Strange Birds features behaviors that seem strange to people but that often help birds in staying alive including: -- the cuckoo who gets out of raising its own chicks by laying its eggs in the nests of other birds -- the dipper that can walk underwater and use its wings to swim -- the cassowary which can grow to be 5 feet (1.6 m) tall -- the tiny honey guide who leads other animals to beehives