This book is phenomenal for those of us to happened into millennial mid thirty’s crisis birding… which based on how often my Costco has to restock their bird seed, is a lot of us.

While I didn’t know the Latin names of my birds, the index in the back of the book was extremely easy to use, and I like that in 10 years the book won’t be outdated. The facts are listed with folklore- which immediately appealed to my love of backstories and romanticism. And the artwork- holy moly. It’s all so stunning.

I have the kindle edition but I will absolutely be saving for a hardcover version to put on my shelf and share with friends.

This is an engaging and visually appealing guide that explores the deep cultural, mythological, and symbolic connections humans have with birds. This book presents an impressive range of nearly 400 bird species, not only offering insights into their physical traits but also delving into the rich tapestry of legends, folklore, and symbolic meanings attached to each species across various cultures. The illustrations are vivid and beautiful, making the book both an informative resource and an aesthetically pleasing object for display.

One of the book's standout qualities is how it combines the biological with the mystical, allowing readers to explore both scientific facts about birds and the more arcane knowledge found in mythological traditions. This intersection between nature and symbolism will appeal to both bird enthusiasts and those with an interest in folklore, history, and even astrology, as birds are often used to convey spiritual meanings and omens.

However, the book's scope may feel overwhelming for some readers. Those seeking a straightforward field guide to birds might be frustrated by the inclusion of mythological and symbolic elements, as it strays from the typical scientific presentation found in traditional ornithology texts. While it is a beautiful collection of trivia and lore, its narrative can occasionally seem disjointed, as the author weaves through different cultures and histories without always providing deep analysis or clear connections between the bird species and their symbolism.

Additionally, while the illustrations and the concept of combining mythological stories with bird facts are engaging, the depth of the explanations might leave some wanting more detailed scientific information, particularly in comparison to more specialised ornithology books.

Overall, The Complete Language of Birds excels in its unique approach to birds, combining nature with mysticism. It would be most appreciated by readers interested in the symbolic and mythical roles birds have played across cultures, but those looking for a purely factual or scientific guide may find it lacking in the precision and depth expected from traditional birdwatching guides.

Stunning imagery, super interesting stories/folklore that I wasn't aware of, despite always really loving birds. This makes me want to take up birdwatching as a formal hobby. And to befriend a corvid. I may actually purchase the hardcover to keep on my shelf.

It is absolutely stunning and wonderful if you love birds and want to learn more about these stunning creatures and how they communicate and live. I enjoyed every bit of this book and would love to own it in my natural history collection!
Thank you to the author and publishing house for this arc.

“The Complete Language of Birds” is a fantastic reference manual on the folklore of birds, but it’s more than that. It tells the story of birds across the world and what they have meant to people. Celebration, death, rememberance—there are countless stories of humanity in the way we see birds. I appreciated how this book told us not only about the folklore of birds, but their story today. By showing what birds mean to us, we can gain a new appreciation for them when we see them flying about outside. They are our cousins on this planet.
This book has a lot to take in, but I think that’s for the best. It’s the kind of book you want to savor and reflect on.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Randi Minetor’s The Complete Language of Birds is a comprehensive exploration of avian wonders, blending scientific facts with rich mythological and cultural narratives.

This beautifully illustrated encyclopedia is a treasure trove for bird enthusiasts and anyone fascinated by the natural world. Minetor’s work covers nearly 400 bird species!

This book is visually stunning, with vibrant illustrations that bring each bird to life. The elegant design and layout enhance the readability and aesthetic appeal, making it a perfect coffee table book as well as a valuable reference.

Minetor delves into the symbolic properties and hidden powers attributed to birds throughout history. This thematic depth adds a layer of intrigue and enriches the reader’s understanding of the avian world.

Minetor’s writing is engaging and informative, striking a balance between scientific accuracy and storytelling. Her passion for ornithology and cultural history shines through, making the book educational and enjoyable.

The lively descriptions and interesting anecdotes transform what could be a dry reference guide into a compelling narrative.

The Complete Language of Birds is a celebration of the beauty and mystery of birds. Randi Minetor has created a work that is informative and enchanting, making it a must-have for bird lovers and anyone interested in the intersection of nature and culture.

This book is a testament to the enduring allure of birds and their profound impact on human imagination and history.

Book Review: The Complete Language of Birds by Randi Minetor

Rating: 5 Stars

As a bird lover, I was absolutely thrilled to dive into The Complete Language of Birds: A Definitive and Illustrated History by Randi Minetor. This book is nothing short of a treasure trove for anyone who has ever marveled at the beauty and complexity of our feathered friends.

From the moment I opened its pages, I was captivated by the stunning illustrations that accompany over 400 bird species from around the globe. Each entry is incredibly detailed, showcasing not just the physical characteristics of the birds but also their rich histories and the fascinating folklore that surrounds them. I’ve always been fascinated by the stories that different cultures tell about birds, and this book expands on that in a way I’ve never seen before.

What sets The Complete Language of Birds apart from traditional field guides is its unique approach. It goes beyond just identifying species; it delves into their symbolic meanings and mythological significance as well. This dual focus allows readers to appreciate birds not just as part of nature but as vital elements in the tapestry of human culture and history. It’s an unusual blend of ornithology and storytelling that makes this book a true gem.

I can’t emphasize enough how beautifully illustrated this book is. Each page is like a work of art, making it an absolute joy to flip through while sipping a cup of tea or lounging in a sunny spot in the garden. Whether you’re an avid bird watcher or simply someone who enjoys reading about nature, this book provides an abundance of information and inspiration.

I wholeheartedly recommend The Complete Language of Birds as a wonderful gift for any bird lover in your life or even for yourself if you’re looking to expand your knowledge in a captivating way. It truly is an amazingly detailed resource that will keep you engaged for hours on end, filled with everything you could ever want to know about birds—both in our world and the realms of myth and magic.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

The Complete Language of Birds: A Definitive and Illustrated History (Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia, by Randi Minetors is a lovely book for browsing, reference, and gaining knowledge about over 400 bird species, worldwide. I consider first level bird guides those that help identify the bird, its migratory patterns, breeding habits, and preferred diet. This books assumes you have access to one of these books and, instead, includes the scientific and common names, conservation status, the collective name (i.e. what a flock of these birds is called), as well as a beautiful, full colored drawing of each bird.
The next part of the profile looks at how each bird has been incorporated into the culture of the area in which it lives. This includes symbolic meanings, possible powers, and folklore/facts. These subjects give a deeper understanding of the birds in our lives, and draw upon how imagination plays a part in our appreciation of our avian friends. If you scan these parts, you will accumulate various facts and fancies that will delight fellow bird aficionados. If you delve deeply, you will gain a greater understanding of how impactful our bird friends can be.

Following are one example of each these profile points that I found delightful:

Collective name of Black Collared lovebirds: Cleaving of lovebirds; Orgy of lovebirds
Symbolic Meanings of Eastern Whip-Poor-Will: Impending Death
Possible Powers of the Red Tailed Hawk: Courage, Majesty, Protection
Folklore and Facts of the Canada Goose: Branta Caneadensis shares the unique characteristics of the Celtic legend of the Selkie, a seal who sheds her skin to become a woman.

I heartily recommend this book, and thank Wellfleet Press, an imprint of Quarto Group (www.quarto.com), for providing it for review consideration via NetGalley (@NetGalley). All opinions are my own.

'The Complete Language of Birds' by Randi Minetor contains some beautifully stunning illustrations of nearly 400 of the most common bird species. They are listed by their Latin names and we find some interesting information like common names, folklore and facts and conservation status. What I really struggled with is the index system and how to find certain birds. For example the Robin is listed under 'American Robin' and the Blackbird under 'Eurasian Blackbird' which doesn't make it easy to locate some of the most common bird species. Also not every bird has been illustrated which you probably would expect.
All in all it is a lovely present for a bird lover.

Randi Minetor's The Complete Language of Birds, is a well-researched book details the human history and knowledge of 400 of the 10,000 bird species we share our earth with. It is filled with beautiful illustrations sourced from historical artists. You will learn about the history, symbolism, and folklore surrounding some of the species you see everyday. The facts and information will have you turning to the book time after time to learn something new.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in human history as it pertains to our relationship with birds. Thank you to Wellfleet Press, Netgalley, and Randi Minetor for the ARC and collaborating on a podcast episode for the Bird Nerd Book Club.

This unique and visually beautiful encyclopedia goes beyond traditional bird guides. Featuring nearly 400 species along with illustrations, this comprehensive resource explores both the physical characteristics and fascinating mythology associated with birds. It’s fascinating and fun to read.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

I really love this book because it's so full of details about birds. I need to have it in my own library.

Gorgeous art, a lot of scientific facts and insight into folklore. Birds have always fascinated me, which is why I was very excited to read this book. The artwork of the different species of birds is beautiful and I enjoyed reading about the powers, myths and stories associated with the various birds. If possible, I'd love to own this book in print.

The Complete Language of Birds: A Definitive and Illustrated History by Randi Minetor is a beautifully crafted stunning coffee table book. As a bird lover, I was thrilled to learn more, especially by reading the folklore section. This adds a rich cultural layer to the scientific insights. The detailed illustrations and visually appealing layout make it a joy to peruse, while the rich narrative offers valuable insights into bird behavior.

I can't wait to see this book in print, as it would be the perfect gift to any to any bird lover's collection.

Thank you to the publisher Quarto Publishing Group – Wellfleet Press for providing an advance reader copy via Net Galley

The Complete Language of Birds by Randi Minetor is an absolute must-read for any nature enthusiast or bird lover! This book is a true masterpiece, with stunning artwork on each page, opening up an entirely new world of understanding and appreciation for the incredible avian species that share our planet.

Minetor's writing is both accessible and captivating, guiding readers on a journey through the diverse and fascinating ways that birds communicate. From the melodic songs that fill the air to the subtle body language and intricate social cues, every aspect of avian language is explored in vivid detail. The author's obvious passion and deep knowledge of the subject matter shines through on every page, igniting a sense of wonder and curiosity within the reader.

What sets this book apart is the perfect balance of scientific rigor and enchanting storytelling. Minetor seamlessly weaves together the latest research and insights with lyrical descriptions that bring the avian world to life. Readers will find themselves utterly transported, developing a profound connection to the feathered creatures all around us.

Simply put, The Complete Language of Birds is a true gem that deserves a spot on the bookshelf of anyone who appreciates the beauty and complexity of the natural world. This book is an absolute must-read!

Thank you to #NetGalley, #randiminetor, and #wellfleetpress for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. I look forward to purchasing a hard copy of this book for my collection!

This book is stunning. If you know anyone who loves birds this is a perfect book for them. The illustrations are gorgeous and the detail is exquisite.

The book details the common names, the birds current conservation status, symbolic meanings, possible powers, facts and folklore linked to each bird. There is also a section at the end regarding mythological birds which was definitely my favourite!

THIS BOOK IS BEAUTIFUL!

I loved reading the entries for each bird species, and the unique perspective of each bird profile is not your typical statistics, but a holistic, mythological perspective. And not only is the text intriguing, easily read, and immersive, the artwork is incredible.

I am so excited to see this book as a physical book, and will recommend it highly!

James' rating: 5 out of 5 fun AND informative stars! ✨

The mention of birds and it's folklore pulled me to this book and I loved it! The Aves kingdom was quite fascinating to me. Their ability to fly was a source of envy.

The illustrations are very well done! Beautiful to see as well as helpful in identification. I loved the drawings especially. So cool!

The folklore was quite fascinating. I love the Egyptian mythology and to see stories and references to birds which were a major part of its mythology was a treat to read. There was also helpful information on where they could be found (which I really loved!) and even information about endangered species. I really appreciated the mentions of steps taken to help the vulnerable and endangered species like breeding programs and other reserves.

There's also quite the extensive indexing for easy access. Separate indexing for their IUCN classifications, common names (numbered) as well as their common meanings.

A very fun, informative read I would recommend to bird lovers!

Thanks to Randi Minetor and Wellfleet Press for a fascinating read!

A glorious book with spectacular illustrations detailing everything you'd want to know about birds, with info on nearly 400 species including history, folklore, and mythology. A wonderful gift for the bird lovers in your life, including me!

A lovely reference book, my favorite part was the common names for the groups of each bird. That was until it book explored fictional birds! The art work is beautiful. Will be a lovely gift book for any bird lover.