6 November 2021 | New Scientist | 31Glorious birds
MAJESTIC and intricate, these
stunning images showcasing
the diversity of birdlife are taken
from Birds, a photography book
by Tim Flach.
A toco toucan (Ramphastos
toco) displays its distinctive
bright bill in the main image.
The largest and best-known of
the toucans, this species is found
in tropical forests, savannahs
and shrubland in parts of South
America. Its large-but-light
bill, which can reach up to
19 centimetres in length, is
adapted for grabbing a variety of
food, including fruit and insects.
The top-right photo is of a
group of American flamingos
(Phoenicopterus ruber), collectively
known as a flamboyance. The
uniquely shaped bills of these
filter-feeders allow them to eat
while their heads are upside
down under the water.
The bottom-middle image
shows the elaborate plumage
of a male Mandarin duck (Aix
galericulata), a native of east
Asia and Russia that has also
been introduced to the UK.
The distinctive “moustache”
of an Inca tern (Larosterna inca),
bottom right, highlights the
variety of displays birds use
to attract mates. For Inca terns,
long moustaches are believed
to indicate better health and a
strong immune system. Eat your
heart out, Hercule Poirot.
Birds will be published by
Abrams on 11 November. ❚
Gege Li
Photographer Tim Flach