The Complete Parrot

Rating:
Summary: Nice Pictures, Nice Layout, Bad Writing.
Review: A must for any parrot fancier--from the novice to the expert. Through up to date facts and enjoyable anecdotes, learn about the many species of parrots who share our world.

Rating:
Summary: Great Help In Choosing a Bird
Review: Although "complete" is an overstatement, "The Complete Parrot" provides information on the personalities, abilities, care, and history of about 85 species of parrot, not including subspecies. It is also generously illustrated with color photographs of most of these birds. There are short chapters on Getting Started, Longevity, Training, Nutrition, Grooming, Avian Medicine, and Breeding. But these chapters are overviews of these subjects more than comprehensive how-to guides. The bulk of the book is dedicated to describing the birds. There are chapters on: African Greys, Amazons, Australasian Parrots, Cockatoos, Conures (only the most common species of conure are covered), Eclectus, Lories, Lovebirds, Macaws, and some additional Smaller and Unusual Parrots. The book seems to be intended as more of an exploration of the characteristics and delights of parrots than as a how-to reference. This probably explains why the sections on each species are not organized into breeding, housing, diet, history, etc. subsections. These topics run together. This does make it difficult to relocate something you have read, but it gives the book a more prosaic and narrative style, which I believe was the author's intention. I think any bird lover will find the information in "The Complete Parrot" interesting, but it would be most helpful to those who are trying to decide which species of bird to buy, or if bird ownership is the thing for them at all. The author gives more details about the personalities and abilities of more species of birds, in themselves and compared to each other, than I have ever seen in one place. He also relates his personal experiences with birds, as well as those of other bird owners. And he frequently gives some interesting history of the species. This information, along with the nice color photographs, will really help you chose a bird that is right for you. If you are considering a conure, you'll need a book dedicated to conures for more detailed information on the many species available.

Recommended for anyone who likes interesting bird stories and lovely bird pictures, but especially to those who are wondering which species of bird they should get.

Rating:
Summary: Great Help In Choosing a Bird
Review: Although "complete" is an overstatement, "The Complete Parrot" provides information on the personalities, abilities, care, and history of about 85 species of parrot, not including subspecies. It is also generously illustrated with color photographs of most of these birds. There are short chapters on Getting Started, Longevity, Training, Nutrition, Grooming, Avian Medicine, and Breeding. But these chapters are overviews of these subjects more than comprehensive how-to guides. The bulk of the book is dedicated to describing the birds. There are chapters on: African Greys, Amazons, Australasian Parrots, Cockatoos, Conures (only the most common species of conure are covered), Eclectus, Lories, Lovebirds, Macaws, and some additional Smaller and Unusual Parrots. The book seems to be intended as more of an exploration of the characteristics and delights of parrots than as a how-to reference. This probably explains why the sections on each species are not organized into breeding, housing, diet, history, etc. subsections. These topics run together. This does make it difficult to relocate something you have read, but it gives the book a more prosaic and narrative style, which I believe was the author's intention. I think any bird lover will find the information in "The Complete Parrot" interesting, but it would be most helpful to those who are trying to decide which species of bird to buy, or if bird ownership is the thing for them at all. The author gives more details about the personalities and abilities of more species of birds, in themselves and compared to each other, than I have ever seen in one place. He also relates his personal experiences with birds, as well as those of other bird owners. And he frequently gives some interesting history of the species. This information, along with the nice color photographs, will really help you chose a bird that is right for you. If you are considering a conure, you'll need a book dedicated to conures for more detailed information on the many species available.

Recommended for anyone who likes interesting bird stories and lovely bird pictures, but especially to those who are wondering which species of bird they should get.

Rating:
Summary: Great Photos, Stories, and Information From a Trusted Source
Review: Although the book has interesting photos and some mildly interesting anecdotes, I found any information discredited by the fact that a full page photo of a Quaker parrot was mislabeled as a gray cheek parakeet. Although these birds have similar colors, the size is vastly different. Doesn't anyone proofread anymore?

Rating:
Summary: Fun Anecdotal Articles
Review: Besides being a beautiful book, the author shares his experiences with the parrots who have touched his life.

There are profiles of many species, fantastic photos, and my favorite section: Parrot Potpourri which is full of interesting parrot-related tid-bits.

I recommend adding this book to your avian library.

Rating:
Summary: Great Photos, Stories, and Information From a Trusted Source
Review: The Complete Parrot is a wonderful book in every way. This book provides colorful pictures useful in deciphering any parrot of your choice, comical anecdotes that contain miscellaneous bits of useful information,and is easily read by any newcomer of the parrot fancy. Being a well-rounded piece of literature,the book may by itself give any person a significant understanding of the psittacine birds.

Rating:
Summary: Nice Pictures, Confusing Material
Review: The layout and the pictures are nice, but the content is confusing and poorly organized. There are too many citations from other books and periodicals. In order to find any useful information, the reader must go through every single sentence. There is no quick or easy way to find the answers to any specific questions. Also,in the book, Freud admits to failing at providing for his once large flock.