Birds and their Ways

Abstract

(1) THAT form of parasitism which is familiarly exemplified by the common cuckoo in Europe, and by some other members of its family found in Europe, Asia, and Africa, occurs also among the cowbirds of the New World, among the weaver-birds and the honey-guides of Africa, and in one South American species of duck. As it doubtless originated separately in each of these diverse groups, it constitutes a very remarkable instance of parallel evolution. Next to the cuckoos, the cowbirds are the best known of the groups, and Dr. Friedmanns important monograph brings together the existing information as to their reproductive habits, and adds to it the results of his own intensive observations.

(1) The Cowbirds: a Study in the Biology of Social Parasitism.

By Dr. Herbert Friedmann. Pp. xvii + 421. (Springfield, Ill., and Baltimore, Md.: Charles C. Thomas; London: Baillière, Tindall and Cox, 1929.) 27s. net.

(2) Birds and Green Places: a Book of Australian Nature Gossip.

By Alec H. Chisholm. Pp. xiv + 224 + 50 plates. (London and Toronto: J. M. Dent and Sons, Ltd.; New York: E. P. Dutton and Co., Inc., 1929.) 15s. net.

(3) The Birds of South-East Devon: being a List of those Species known to visit that part of the County including and lying to the East of the Exe Valley.

By Lewis R. W. Loyd. Pp. 176 + 6 plates. (London: H. F. and G. Witherby, 1929.) 10s. 6d. net.

(4) The Birds of Ayrshire.

By E. Richmond Paton Oliver G. Pike. Pp. xxi + 228 + 25 plates. (London: H. F. and G. Witherby, 1929.) 21s. net.