In this beautifully illustrated book, Anita Albus recounts the sad histories of several extinct bird species, including the passenger pigeon, the Carolina parakeet, and the great auk. She offers a detailed account of six rare birds: the hermit ibis, the elusive corncrake, the Eurasian nightjar, the barn owl, the northern hawk owl, and the kingfisher. Her unique blend of natural history and investigative reporting weaves together mythological and cultural information and, above all, tells a compelling story.

Complemented by Albus’s own superb artwork, On Rare Birds shows that the extinction of these bird species is a great loss not only to the natural world but also to human culture. This passionate and provocative book will appeal to all those who love birds and care about their survival.

Anita Albus is an award-winning writer and artist based in Munich and Burgundy. She is known for her detailed nature paintings as well as for her essays, stories, and writings on art history. Her books include The Art of Arts, The Botanical Drama, The Garden of Songs, and The Botanical Spectacle. Her prizes include the Medal of Honor from the Federal Republic of Germany (2001).