THE LOVE LIVES OF BIRDS: COURTING AND MATING RITUALS by Laura Erickson is the first book that I have read by this author and the title describes what the book covers. It is a non-fiction book that covers 35 species of birds which range from common backyard birds to birds one would have to travel far afield to find. Which birds mate for life? Which parent defends the territory or incubates the eggs or raises the young? Which species are faithful to their partner? Who coos, sings, dances, stretches their neck and bill to the sky, bows, allopreens, or brings food or nest material? The answers may surprise you for some species. Spring is here and so are the courting and mating rituals of many of our summer visitors.

This book is written in layman’s terms so you don’t have to be an expert birder to enjoy it. Additionally, I enjoyed the author’s sense of humor that showed up several times in the book. Additionally, she drew comparisons and references to characters in plays, books and movies making the book even more relatable and engaging. The drawings are great, but I would have loved more.

The author has been birding since 1975, worked as Science Editor at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca, New York, is a contributing editor and columnist for BirdWatching magazine and has many other professional ornithology credits and this shows in her in-depth knowledge of the courtship and mating rituals described in this book.

As an avid birder since 1984 and having lived in four states during that time, I was familiar with most of the birds covered in the book. However, I still learned a few new facts. I recommend this to those that enjoy watching and learning about birds. The writing style is engaging and focused on courtship and mating. Many books about birds try to discuss everything and don’t give the reader enough details about anything. This one found the right focus and balance and I look forward to reading more by this author.

Many thanks to Storey Publishing, LLC and Laura Erickson for a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.