The Brilliance of Birds

New classy paperback edition of the earlier successful hardcover book, showing New Zealand birds as you've never seen them before.

Who knew that the morepork, our forest-dwelling owl, can turn its head 270 degrees? Or that the eastern bar-tailed godwit doubles its body weight before undertaking an epic and continuous migration of 11,000 kilometres? Or that the tui has a specially placed voicebox, enabling it to duet with itself, sometimes producing sounds too high-frequency for humans to hear?

Zany, off-kilter, wondrous and wild, The Brilliance of Birds gives a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lives of some of New Zealand's feathered friends.

About the Authors

Skye Wishart is a journalist with a passion for science writing. A degree in biochemistry and plant genetics led her first to work in marine research in the South Island; then, after a sojourn in science journal publishing, she turned to the written word, and has been researching and writing ever since. She is also studying for a Masters in Environmental Management, diving deep into how we can become better custodians of the natural world now and into an uncertain future. Skye lives in the Western Bay of Plenty, with her husband and young family. She loves the outdoors- particularly exploring hiking trails and ocean swimming.

Edin Whitehead is a seabird scientist and conservation photographer based in Aotearoa New Zealand. Her research on the behaviour and physiology of shearwaters and petrels focuses on their ability to adapt to a changing climate. Mixing science and photography, research and conservation work have taken her on adventures throughout Aotearoa, including the remote offshore island groups. She is a multi award-winning photographer, and uses visual storytelling to advocate for wildlife and wild places.