Essential Life Lessons and Wisdom from Birds

The Wisdom of Birds takes 60 amazing birds illustrated by Victorian artist and ornithologist John Audubon, then shares unique strengths of each one to help us build with care, and spread our wings.

Includes the proud belted kingfisher, the delicate red-throated loon and the elegant snowy egret and laidback double-crested cormorant.

Read our posts on how to create safe havens for birds (feeding, nest-boxes, protecting from cats) and preventing bird strike. Don’t play birdsong near birds, it can confuse and attract predators.

Birds are social creatures, thriving in groups that range from small partnerships to massive congregations. The way they organise themselves offers insights into social cohesion.

Flocks. Birds flock mostly for safety. By staying together, they are at less risk of predator attacks, and watchful eyes of many detect danger early. When foraging, a group also can cover a wider area.

Nesting Communities. Again, communal living protects birds from predators, and conserves resources. For instance, seabirds nesting on cliffs share prime location for feeding and protection.

Communication. Birds rely on vocal sounds and body language to convey warnings, attract mates and declare territories. Posturing and plumage displays also maintain social order.

Friendship. Some birds benefit from relationships with other species. The classic example is oxpeckers, that feed on parasites of large mammals like buffalo or rhinos, which benefit from natural ‘pest control’.