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Birds have evolved from a group of prehistoric reptiles and hence have been referred to as glorified reptiles´ on account of their beauty and the ability to fly as opposed to the earth-bound, cold-blooded reptiles. Evolution of powered flight was the major breakthrough in their evolution and once airborne they were able to disperse far and wide and today they are found in almost every type of habitat on the face of the earth. From the cold, desolate polar regions to the rain forests and deserts of the tropics, in mountains, grasslands and meadows, in cities bustling with humans and machinery, and even far out at sea, birds there are and are truly a feast for the eyes of the beholder. Even the prehistoric man, apparently, marveled at their beauty and prowess, as is evidenced by rock paintings of Lascaux and Altamira. Birds also feature in the rock paintings of Australian aborigines. No other group of animals on earth has had so much attention bestowed upon them as have the birds. This book introduces the reader to the world of these magnificent creatures.

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The author is currently attached to the Department of Botany, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. He holds a Bachelor´s degree in Science and a Master´s degree in Environmental Science.

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