Book Review: How Birds Fly by Peter Cavanagh

Reviewed by Toni Woodruff

An abundance of knowledge & discovery—a full-color, action-shot book unraveling the mystery of bird flight 

Peter Cavanagh might be an expert on aircraft flight aerodynamics, anatomy, and biomechanics, but he’s also a first-rate bird photographer, capable of capturing birds in motion—before, during, and after flight—and adept at revealing the truth about how (most) birds fly.

How Birds Fly is conversational yet deeply informed, a book that’s as useful (and gorgeous) for everyday birders as it is a resource for ornithologists. From bones to wingtips to wind breaks and beyond, birds take to the skies in constantly evolving ways; like history, this book starts with the dinosaurs and travels through time as the birds transform into the efficient aerialists we know today.

Each chapter ends with a one-page “From the Lab” study, where Cavanagh details a scientific study that answers a particular question about bird flight. One of the more fascinating conversations going on here is that which correlates to human-made flight, like gliders and planes. One particular “From the Lab” study does a remarkable job of discussing the morphing of wings and tails in drones to mimic successful bird flight.

Cavanagh’s expertise on aerodynamics makes this a one-of-a-kind resource; only this scientist with this set of motion photography skills can make a book both as visually and mentally stimulating as this one. We might not be able to ask the creatures how they do it, but at least we have Cavanagh to translate for us.

As any birder would hope, this book is full of eclectic birds. From hummingbirds taking mid-air rests to whooping crane takeoffs and landings, we get to see a wide range of birds of varying sizes and discover what makes them work. You won’t look at those thermal-coasting turkey vultures the same way again. I’ve always been fascinated with the way they coast on thermals in such rapid, seemingly off-balance ways, and Cavanagh enhances that wonder with science.

How Birds Fly is exactly the resource you want it to be. There’s beauty in the photographs and accessible knowledge in the prose, but it ultimately respects and prioritizes the science. Observatories, nature centers, and your living room will be better off with this thing sitting front and center on your coffee table.

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