A collection of the author's personal thoughts on the diversity of birds throughout the world. Written in three parts, the first traces how he initially became interested in ornithology. The second, main, part of the book attempts to answer the many questions concerning the distribution and diversity of birds, and although written for the layman, contains much scientific detail. The final part is an anthology of the author's great birdwatching experiences. `An unusual but stimulating book' Bryan Sage, Countryside.