Latin for Bird Lovers

In every scientific discipline there is an official language formed of words derived from Latin. Ornithology is a perfect example of how these words can be illuminating. Take Anas acuta, better known as the Northern Pintail, whose scientific name means duck and refers to the male bird's tail. Or pelagic (meaning of, related to, or occurring in sea), an important term for ocean-focused bird lovers.

Latin for Bird Lovers explores and explains over 3,000 Latin words used to describe birds. It is information that is invaluable to birdwatchers worldwide: the words help define the identity and relationships among the nearly 10,000 known bird species, as well as color, pattern, size, parts of the body, the name of the ornithologist who discovered the bird, where the bird is found, or even specific behavior. The book also profiles twelve great ornithologists, has in-depth features on 20 beloved birds, and is gorgeously illustrated.