Woodpecker (Animal)

Reaktion books are a series with a world-wide focus on a particular animal or bird. Woodpeckers are generally liked by most and appreciated by all birders because they provide nest holes, not only for themselves, of course, but also for many other birds who can't dig their own holes in trees. Several woodpecker species are common at suet and seed feeders at our homes. I am impressed by all the woodpecker-related items located all over the world which the author found and illustrated in this book. Such as postage stamps, pub signs in England, a woodpecker warning sign in Germany, a woodpecker weather vane in England, 2 cartoons, a 13th Century psalter with 2 woodpecker images, 3 coats of arms, the beautiful art by Audubon (3),Gould (2), Malherbe, and Morris, and of course, Woody Woodpecker on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 80 species are mentioned, many illustrated in color along with their "wood working" skills, 11 pages of references, many from obscure journals, a select bibliography, and 6 woodpecker websites. Much of the text is devoted to how native peoples all over the world perceive woodpeckers in folklore and myth. This is a different kind of bird book which delves into the natural and cultural history of woodpeckers. Gerard Gorman is a woodpecker expert from Europe with 3 previous books on woodpeckers.

Like all reaction books marvellous

A great addition to the Animal series! One of my favourite of the newest volumes, Gorman's study offers much for woodpecker partisans as well as those of us most familiar with the birds for their noisy drumming on our houses. Like all the Animal books, it's beautifully illustrated, but it's the research and writing that really distinguish this book, as I found it so disarming and interesting that I read it in a single sitting. I had no idea there were so many kinds of woodpeckers and woodpecker-kin in the world, nor that their symbolic significance has so often been connected to fire and weather the world over. Their unique physiology gets particular attention, and I appreciate now why it is they can survive drilling thousands of holes in dense wood yet die when flying into a window once. I learned so much about these odd but impressive birds--highly recommended whether you're a birder or just interested in quirky birds in the world!

Sound as far as I can judge.