This Bird: Noticing our Urban Birds by Astrid Hicks with Holly Parsons

If you are on the lookout for a non-fiction bird book for a young reader, then this fabulous new release from CSIRO Publishing is the one. Written by Astred Hicks in collaboration with bird scientist Dr Holly Parsons, this is a must have for any budding ornithologists or twitchers. Filled with fascinating facts and striking illustrations presented on colourful glossy pages, this is a one-stop-shop for information about birds that exist in our Australian urban spaces.

Beginning with a contents page and introduction, the authors then lead readers to a double page spread where there is important information and key symbols about the type of food eaten by birds: using the scientific names such as nectarivore and piscivore, and the varied birds found within the pages of the book. This is followed by two clearly labelled diagrams of the parts of a bird’s body as well as a useful size comparison chart.

The chapters are clearly defined by coloured writing on a white cloud shape with identifying symbols placed strategically amongst the text, which is accessible and well-spaced on the page. There is a map of Australia showing where each particular bird’s habitat may be and extra interesting facts. In the final pages is the glossary, a list of Australian habitats and an index of species. 

This beautifully presented book will be wonderful addition to all libraries: home, school or public.

Teacher notes are available.

Themes: Backyard Birds, Habitats, Prey, Predators, Behaviour, Features, Nature.

Kathryn Beilby