The Meaning of Birds by Simon Barnes
The Meaning of Birds is Simon Barnes’s illustrated exploration of birds and their relationship with the natural world. It ranges from flight, birdsong and migration to feathers, raptors and human attitudes toward birds, making it a thematic read rather than a field identification guide.
At a glance
- Discusses flight, birdsong, seasonal signals and migration alongside feathers and raptors.
- Connects bird life with human culture and environmental change, including migration patterns and climate change.
- The listing describes the book as illustrated.
Reference price: $26.95
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Covers both natural-history topics and the ways people relate to birds.
- The 208-page length offers a defined, relatively compact reading project.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Pegasus Books |
|---|---|
| Publication date | January 2, 2018 |
| Edition | 1st |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 208 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 168177626X |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1681776262 |
| Dimensions | 6 x 1.1 x 9 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 1.5 pounds |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in accessible bird-focused nature writing rather than only species identification.
- Bird enthusiasts who enjoy topics spanning behavior, ecology and human relationships with wildlife.
- Readers looking for an illustrated nature book about birds.
Less suited to
- Shoppers seeking a practical bird field guide for identifying species in the field.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
73% 73% - 4 stars
15% 15% - 3 stars
5% 5% - 2 stars
4% 4% - 1 star
3% 3%
The supplied evidence contains aggregate ratings but no written review summary, so it does not establish which aspects readers liked or disliked. The rating distribution is mostly five- and four-star, with some lower-star ratings, but it cannot explain readers’ reasons or whether the book’s thematic nature writing suits a particular buyer.
Frequently asked questions
What subjects does The Meaning of Birds cover?
The listing describes chapters and reflections on flight, birdsong, seasons, feathers, raptors, migration and human connections with birds.
Is this a bird identification field guide?
The supplied description presents it as nature writing about birds and their significance, not as a species-identification guide.
How long is the book?
The listing gives a print length of 208 pages.
What language and edition are listed?
The listing specifies English and the 1st edition.
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