The Social Lives of Birds and How Much We're Like Them

"I write about birds because I love them, others love them, and they inspire hope for conservation of the natural world. Habitat saved for birds also benefits insects, snakes, spiders, and plants. For me, slowing down and watching what birds do is wonderful, so I first wrote Slow Birding. That book espoused the joy of birding close to home. This book, The Social Lives of Birds, shares some of the most interesting things a slow birder might look for anywhere in the world."

"Birds are a highly diverse group of vertebrates who come in a wide range of forms and sizes, from large Common Ostriches to tiny hummingbirds, display a broad array of sociality ranging from highly social to solitary, and have evolved various adaptations that allow them to live in different habitats ranging from Antarctica to Namibia. They also have rich cognitive and emotional lives, so being called a " birdbrain" can be a compliment rather than an insult."

Birds exhibit enormous diversity in size, form, and habitat, from Common Ostriches to tiny hummingbirds, living in environments spanning Antarctica to Namibia. Social organization varies widely, from highly social flocks and communal systems to solitary lifestyles. Birds possess rich cognitive and emotional lives, making 'birdbrain' a compliment. Detailed observation of avian social behavior reveals mechanisms of cooperation, individual self-interest, and family dynamics, offering comparative insights into social evolution. Protecting bird habitats benefits insects, snakes, spiders, and plants. Slowing down to watch birds fosters learning, appreciation, and motivates conservation that supports broader ecosystems.

Read at Psychology Today