Feathers : the evolution of a natural miracle / Thor Hanson.

New York : Basic Books, [2011], ©2011.

xvi, 336 pages : illustrations, map ; 22 cm

A natural miracle -- Evolution. The Rosetta Stone ; Heat shields, gliders, and insect scoops ; The Yixian Formation ; How to catch a muttonbird -- Fluff. Keeping warm ; Staying cool -- Flight. Ground-up or tree-down? ; A feathered hammer ; The perfect airfoil -- Fancy. The birds of paradise ; A feather in her cap ; Give us those nice bright colors -- Function. Of murres and muddlers; The mighty Penna ; The featherless head -- A debt of wonder -- Appendix A. An illustrated guide to feathers -- Appendix B. Feathers and conservation.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 301-317) and index.