Why are owls regarded either as wise or as harbingers of doom? What gave rise to the fanciful belief that storks bring babies? Why is the eagle associated with victory or the hummingbird with paradise? The answers are here in this new & engaging book By re-telling the many legends beliefs proverbs & predictions associated with more than 80 birds from many nations it brings into focus the close
- & often ancient
- links between humans & these remarkable feathered descendants of dinosaurs Discover for instance Why the cockerel features on many church spires The one sacred bird that symbolises life & peace in most cultures How to dispel bad luck if you see this black-&-white bird The South-American devil bird' once thought to be a dragon Birds lore myth & legend draws on historical accounts & scientific literature to reveal how colourful tales or superstitions were shaped by human imagination from each bird's behaviour or appearance It offers an enchanting & different perspective on birds across the world