Review by Choice Review
The phenomenon of nonbreeding birds assisting a reproductive pair with the rearing of young has long been of special intrigue to ecologists, behaviorists, evolutionists, and avian enthusiasts. Skutch has performed a service by compiling a discussion of the extent of cooperative breeding in a series of 50 taxonomic groupings of birds. An introductory chapter and two concluding chapters consider the implications of cooperative behaviors in birds. Although it is an interesting work, the book was written primarily for the amateur bird lover rather than the scientist. The text is bespeckled with aesthetic but unnecessary illustrations. Supporting data, including any hint of a table or figure, are absent. Even though the bibliography is expansive, the text deviates from the standard method of reference citation; this further limits the appropriateness of the book to the scientist or the science student. Also, Skutch has used this format as a forum for his suppositions, interpretations, and inclinations. The writing, as advertised, is indeed ``graceful'' but also blatantly anthropomorphic to the likely disgruntlement of the scientific reader. Recommended only for general readers.-R.E. Thibault, Bowling Green State University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
