and an aviculturist. Understanding The Life OfBirds is a concise, well-written volume cover­ ing a wide range of topics. Each of its twenty-one chapters is devoted to a specific function of avian physiology. Chapter one discusses breeding behavior and how sex hormones influence behavior and how song relates to courtship, and defense of TheWatchbird offers free publicity for territories relates to reproduction, member club shows by an­ while outlining the mechanics of nouncing the dates and locations of the shows. To haveyour showlisted it courtship, and the nesting is necessary to get the data to the cycle. Chapters two and three Watchbird four to five moqths before describe the and embryonic the show date. For example, ifyour development from formation of the show takes place the first week of egg in the ovary to the fledging of October, it should be listed in the August/September issue. The dead­ young. Chapters four through thir­ I1ne for thatissue isJune 1st. (Copy/ teen describe the various physiologi­ article deadline is two months pre­ cal systems from the skeletal and mus­ ceding publication date.) Understanding the Life of cular to the nervous, circulatory, respiratory and digestive. written by Patrick G. Coyle, Jr. Greater Memphis Bird Club An excellent and detailed dis­ will host FeatherFair reviewed by Jerry Jennings cussion on nutrition is proVided in May27-28. 1989 Woodland Hills, California chapter fourteen, including basic at the information on the components of Memphis Radisson Hotel Man has held an appreciation of foods and their specific functions in Memphis, Tennessee For information contact: birds for thousands of years, marvel­ supplying the body's life sustaining Mrs.J.W. Higgins, (901) 476-0736 ing at their capability of flight. He has requirements. 463-B Rt. I, Brighton, TN 38011 enjoyed their seranades of sonorous Chapters sixteen through eighteen songs and has been enraptured by give an excellent introduction to tax­ Middle Tennessee Cage Bird Club their often riotous colors. Man's onomy. The aviculturist will learn will be hosting its appreciation has been as of a work of how and why their birds are classified Annual SpringFair art - each species representing a dif­ the way they are and, perhaps, gain at the ferent expression of the devine crea­ some insight into interspecific rela­ Music City Rodeway Inn 797 Briley Parkway at 1-40 tion. And, how many representative tionships. The final three chapters Nashville, Tennessee expressions there are. Over 8,650 dif­ deal with genetiCS and are especially For information contact ferent living species. helpful to those aviculturists inter­ fair chainnan: While some enjoy the trek through ested in mutations and the results to Eva Duffey, phone (615) 361-5939 the field, and others a trip to the zoo, 2545 ForestView Drive be expected from particular pairings Antioch, TN 37013 the aviculturist by definition seeks a or . "hands-on" involvement. He wants The short prologue at the end of to sense with more than the eye and Professor Coyle's book explains the ear. To feel, if not with the hand, at importance of the role of private avi­ least deep down inside that he is a culturists in establishing captive pop­ part of the process ofthe life of birds. ulations of numerous bird species. The Avicultural Society To really know what it is that is a Against a backdrop of rapidly disap­ bird, one must become a biologist, pearing rain forest habitats, aviculture of America, Inc., though not necessarily a university is one important tool of conservation. Welcomes new members. trained biologist - just someone Understanding The Life OfBirds is who has gone beyond the "artistic both informative and interesting read­ appreciation" stage. One doesn't ing. Though aimed at the novice, the need to know the technology of advanced aviculturist will find a great painting to appreciate the Mona Lisa, deal of useful information. A lengthy unless one wants to paint the Mona bibliography provides many addi­ Lisa. Thus, to work with birds, one tional, and more detailed, sources of Founded 19T1 must understand the technical com­ information for those wi hing to We publish a monthly bulletin on all ponents comprising the subject. expand their knowledge. Finally, a aspects of aviculture. For membership A working knowledge of birds may glossary of terms prOVides the bud­ information please contact: Helen be pursued through formal academic ding biologist with the tools of the Hanson. (213) 542-3633, A.S.A., Inc., training, or it may be self-taught. For topics. P.O. Box 2796, Redondo Beach, CA those interested in the latter route, no For those aviculturists wishing to 90278. Yearly dues $15. Foreign mem­ better beginning is there than to extend their background beyond bird bers please add $5.00 to cover postage. acquire and read a copy of Under­ identification, Understanding The (U.S. funds only) standing The Life OfBirds by Patrick Life OfBirds is a must. • G. Coyle, Jr., a professor of biology See ad on page 37

50 February/March 1989