Nineteen poems in a variety of verse forms with accompanying science notes introduce readers to a wide variety of unusual birds.

Superlative birds -- Less than a penny -- A billion queleas -- The flying leap -- Walk on water -- The wanderer -- Bird hunter -- Arctic terns in the world 'round -- Crayfish for supper -- The ghastly pantry -- Iridescent eggs -- Timberdoodle blues -- Calling contest -- Barn owl papa -- Turkey vulture -- What's in a hoatzin? -- Pick me! -- Scrubfowl parenting -- The great communicator -- For the birds.