What is it that draws us to birds in all their magnificent diversity of color, song, size and ability Civilizations ancient and modern have been spellbound by birds' ability to fly, the beauty and complexity of their sounds, and the sheer volume and presence of birds on every continent. brBirds are a key component of the global economy. Bird-watching and eco-tourism are increasingly profitable industries, and egg and meat production provides the world with its' single largest source of animal protein. iBirds in Our Livesi is an introductory text in avian biology, which offers a unique approach addressing not only scientific content, but recognizing the economic and social importance of many avian species. briBirds in Our Livesi begins with an examination of the evolution of birds. Subsequent chapters address issues in international trade, flight, anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and reproduction. The second half of the text is devoted to specific species including parrots, raptors, pige