How Birds Fly: The Science and Art of Avian Flight

Bird flight is a mesmerizing spectacle, yet its intricacies remains largely shrouded in mystery for most. Even after over a century of study, certain aspects of bird flight continue to baffle the public and ornithologists alike.

Peter Cavanagh, a dedicated bird photographer, pilot and expert in the fields of biomechanics and anatomy, has dedicated a decade to crafting this remarkable book, How Birds Fly. Through awe-inspiring photography and conversational prose, Peter unveils the complex evolutions and physics of bird flight, making it accessible to bird lovers of all levels.

Within these pages, you’ll discover the elegant mechanics behind how birds fly. Explore the evolution of flight, the roles of bones, muscles and feathers, and the crucial functions of wings, wingtips and tails. From takeoff to landing, soaring to diving, and hunting to hovering, you’ll gain unprecedented insight into avian movement.

Chapters featured in this book include, but are not limited to:

• The evolution of bird flight
• The anatomy of birds for flight
• The aerodynamics of bird flight
• Takeoff and Landing
• Gliding and Soaring
• Flapping Flight
• In-Flight Maneuvers
• Migration
• Flight Specialists (including Hummingbirds, Silent Owls, and Swifts).

But How Birds Fly is more than a scientific exploration; it’s a celebration of the artistry of bird flight. Uncover the stories of flight pioneers like Leonardo da Vinci and the Wright Brothers, and how engineers still draw inspiration from birds for cutting-edge aircraft design. With this book, you can savor each chapter independently, enjoying stunning photographs and enlightening illustrations. In ＂From the Lab＂ sections, you’ll dive into real research studies, gaining a taste of how ornithologists work.

Flight is a dream embedded deep within our unconscious minds. Let Peter Cavanagh’s expertise and passion for flight enhance your appreciation for the world of birds.

Peter Cavanagh is a wildlife photographer who has been taking pictures since he was a boy in England. Peter’s migration to the photography and study of bird flight evolved from his study of flight aerodynamics for aircraft pilot qualifications; his professional training in anatomy, biomechanics, and high-speed photography; and his love of nature and the outdoors. Peter’s images have been included in the Audubon Society’s Top 100 Bird Photographs of the Year, he is a member of the North American Nature Photographers Association, and he has guest-curated the exhibit ＂How Birds Fly＂ at the Seattle Museum of Flight. Peter lives in the San Juan Islands of Washington State, USA with his wife, artist Ann Vandervelde.