What It's Like to Be a Bird

From Flying to Nesting, Eating to Singing - What Birds Are Doing, and Why (Sibley Guides)

By: David Allen Sibley

Narrated by: Evan Sibley

Length: 7 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

The bird book for birders and nonbirders alike that will excite and inspire by providing a new and deeper understanding of what common, mostly backyard, birds are doing—and why: "Can birds smell?"; "Is this the same cardinal that was at my feeder last year?"; "Do robins 'hear worms'?"

In What It's Like to Be a Bird, David Sibley answers the most frequently asked questions about the birds we see most often. This special brand-new audio edition is geared as much to nonbirders as it is to the out-and-out obsessed, covering more than 200 species. While its focus is on familiar backyard birds—blue jays, nuthatches, chickadees—it also examines certain species that can be fairly easily observed, such as the seashore-dwelling Atlantic puffin.

David Sibley's wide-ranging expertise brings observed behaviors vividly to life. And while the text is aimed at adults—including fascinating new scientific research on the myriad ways birds have adapted to environmental changes—it is nontechnical, making it the perfect occasion for parents and grandparents to share their love of birds with young children, who will delight in colorful descriptions of birds in action.

Unlike any other book he has written, What It's Like to Be a Bird is poised to bring a whole new audience to David Sibley's world of birds.

This audio edition of What It's Like to Be a Bird is skillfully narrated by Evan Sibley, the author's son. The script been adapted by the author to suit the audio format.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2020 David Allen Sibley (P)2022 Echo Point Books & Media, LLC

Excellent!

This such a fab audiobook. I am a big fan of both Sibley’s and it was an exciting listen. My personal favorite chapter is the Chickadees. The detail brought to the narration with the specificity of calls and birding lingo brings the excellent writing and research to life. I am excited to listen with some of the younger birders in my life. Such an accessible and fun way to experience What Its Like To Be A Bird.

Great book to introduce you to cool facts & the nuances of birds!

My son is obsessed with birds. I selected this book to learn more about them so we could learn together and explore the world around us. I was skeptical if it would work as an audio book but it does! It’s pretty easy to listen to, fast-paced, chock full of interesting facts. If you’re curious about birds, this is a fun and interesting listen! I’d definitely recommend. :)

Listened to it twice now!

I’ve enjoyed this book so very much. It’s full of interesting tidbits. It’s now my favorite book for gifting.

Wonderful!!!

This is a wonderful audio version of the book, which I also have. David’s son Evan does a great job narrating it, with his engaging style. I really enjoy listening to it while I’m driving, and I have learned so much! Bird behavior is fascinating, and it is incredible how birds have evolved to survive. As an avid birder, this book has helped me appreciate all birds (not just rarities!), and look at them with newfound amazement. You will love this book!

Fascinating and well narrated!

What its Like to Be a Bird seamlessly blends scientific fact with readable anecdotes that make it feel as much story as bird guide! The narration is wonderful: though nonfiction, it’s not at all dry! Evan’s style is clear and engaging. He’s a narrator I will be following closely from now on! I’ll be recommending to everyone I know!

Gems Galore

I really loved this book. I learned so many facts about North American birds, and I can't wait to casually work them into conversations. It's definitely a book that I will revisit as I continue birding.

Wonderfully narrated. The perfect companion to the book

I already have the book, and after listening to the sample, I realized that the book is worth “re-reading” by listening. I immediately got the Audible version. The narrator is great, just the right informative inflection, and a warm friendly and knowledgeable tone that makes the book easy listening at bedtime. And since the narrator is Sibley’s son, he has all the pronunciations down perfectly. The essays on so many aspects of birds take me to a new depth of understanding and it also dispels myths, e.g., that birds cannot taste when, in fact, they do. I recommend the audio as an adjunct to the physical book, since the book has so many beautiful and helpful illustrations. However, the audio content is still perfectly understandable without the illustrations.

Well written and interesting for birders and non birders.

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book. Recommend it. And am purchasing the physical copy now so I can see the pictures and illustrations.

Major Disappointment

As indicated by the headline, this book was a waste of my time and money. It provides little more than a description - often a very brief description at that - of the appearance and habits of various birds.

The title, "What It's Like to be a Bird", suggests that author Sibley might be offering an examination of the customs of birds such as crows that remain together in tightly-knit, multi-generational family packs, or the discernibly varying calls of birds such as crows or chickadees that indicate danger, food, friendly human, etc.

I didn't time the running length of the recording, but the main portion of the book seemed to be over in super-quick time, followed by a brief repetitious summary of some of the material already covered.
I feel rather cheated by the entire experience.