This Bird

Noticing Our Urban Birds

Astred Hicks, Holly Parsons

$32.99

Hardback

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English

CSIRO Publishing
01 August 2025

Birds (ornithology); Wildlife: general interest; Children's & young adult: general non-fiction; Educational: Sciences, general science; Kids Australian

ABBEY'S BOOKSELLER PICK ----- You don't have to go far to notice birds, and this colourful and well-laid out book encourages young naturalists to observe the birds that are quietly going about their lives in the midst of shared urban spaces. Double page spreads introduce a common bird, information about habitats and habits is concisely and clearly given, painterly illustrations are accessible, accurate and attractive.

It's a brilliant book to encourage youngsters to pay attention to the world around them and will help engender interest in our avian neighbours – and as an older birder, it's a wonderful thing to share the pleasure of birdwatching! Lindy

Discover the birds that share our urban spaces ... What's so fancy about this bird? What's so clever about that bird? Perhaps it's a weightlifter, a marathon flier, an artist, or even a liar. You don't need to go far to see intriguing birds, even in the city.

From colourful parrots to artistic bowerbirds and fancy fairy-wrens, there's lots to notice in our local backyards, streets and parks.

Written by Astred Hicks in collaboration with bird scientist Dr Holly Parsons, and featuring Astred's distinctive and engaging illustrations, This Bird features fun facts about some remarkable Australian native birds and hints on where (and how) to find them!

Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 6 to 12.

Praise:

'Sometimes experienced birders can forget what first sparked our interest in birds. This beautiful book is a delightful reminder of the wonder that birds inspire in us.' Sean Dooley, BirdLife Australia

'Charming, eye-catching, fresh and informative. This Bird explores iconic Australian birds as well as some of the more overlooked species, sharing fun facts and important stories as they go.' Sami Bayly, author of The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Ugly Animals

By: Astred Hicks, Holly Parsons
Imprint: CSIRO Publishing
Country of Publication: Australia
Dimensions: Height: 280mm, Width: 215mm, Spine: 95mm
Weight: 285g
ISBN: 9781486318452
ISBN 10: 1486318452
Pages: 64
Publication Date: 01 August 2025
Recommended Age: From 6 years
Audience: Children/juvenile , English as a second language
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Introduction This bird looks different from its partner This bird plays hide and seek This bird flies marathons This bird is a moonlight wailer These birds are noisy This bird walks on water This bird is loud This bird is cheeky This bird is a swimmer This bird is a hoverer This bird loves cities This bird is 'shellfish' This bird is strong This bird has a mistaken identity These birds live among the trees This bird is gregarious This bird has a red butt This bird eats with a spoon This bird is more than an angler This bird is an artist This bird is a tiny explorer This bird is fancy This bird is a digger These birds are architects This bird is a liar This bird is a master of disguise This bird eats on the fly This bird has a sweet tooth This bird is a cruncher Glossary Habitats Index of species About the authors

Astred Hicks is a best-selling illustrator, highly awarded book designer, emerging author and complete bird nerd. She is excited about noticing the world around her and hopes to inspire others to do the same. Dr Holly Parsons is a bird-loving scientist who spends her days studying the amazing Australian bird life that lives in our towns and cities and sharing her passion with everyone she meets.

Reviews for This Bird: Noticing Our Urban Birds

""This Bird is a delightful resource to stimulate curiosity, foster a connection with nature and build awareness of the live unfolding in treetops, skies, mangroves and gardens"" -- Jasmine Pirovic * Books+Publishing *