The Rangers are drama queens.” Observation drives her to the stunning conclusion that chicken culture is passed down through generations in one flock “of unrelated chickens of different breeds.”Ĭovered with persistent leeches, torn by thorns, Montgomery bleeds and sweats through the rainforests of Australia in search of the big, flightless, elusive cassowary. My hens are gentle, subtle they are Ladies. “Everything the Rangers do is writ large. But things change when a new flock of chickens takes up residence beside her own. Photo by Vicki Steifel.Įnraptured by her free-ranging chickens, affectionate hens who exhibit individual personalities, she intertwines an intriguing account of their lives and habits with results of studies on chicken communication and rooster behavior.

She opens each chapter with specifics - the people involved and the birds they are involved with - then ranges into the science surrounding the species, exploring their specialized anatomy and the many behavior studies. Beginning with her own 20-year flock of chickens, Montgomery celebrates birds - their individuality, biology and abilities. Coast Guard trained pigeons in helicopters to spot orange life vests at sea they outperformed human spotters three to one.” One wonders why they are no longer used but Montgomery doesn’t go into this. They notice details that humans miss: one study found that pigeons could learn to recognize the difference between the painting style of Manet and that of Monet faster than many college students.

If you’re one of those who think crows are just raucous marauders and pigeons no more than rats with wings, this book may transform your thinking. “Naturalist and acclaimed New Hampshire author Montgomery’s rhythmic and lyrical subtitle conveys the feel of this entertaining, eye-opening book about birds and the people who love them.

Birdology by Sy Montgomery