A World on the Wing

Embark on an exhilarating global odyssey, exploring the awe-inspiring science and wonder behind bird migration.

In this New York Times bestseller, Pulitzer Prize-shortlisted writer and ornithologist Scott Weidensaul takes you on a captivating journey through the most remarkable flights undertaken by birds. From the storm-wracked waters of the Bering Sea to the Mediterranean, where he encounters gunners and trappers, to a forgotten corner of north-east India, where former headhunters have turned a grim migratory crisis into an unprecedented conservation success, Weidensaul is at the forefront of migration research.

Over the past two decades, our understanding of the almost unfathomable endurance and complexity of bird migration has grown exponentially, and A World on the Wing chronicles these incredible advancements. As our world increasingly faces the effects of climate change, the ecological miracles performed by migratory birds may light the way to a more sustainable future for all species, including our own.

This is the rousing and reverent story of the billions of birds that, despite the numerous obstacles we have placed in their path, continue on with resilience and hope to the far horizon. Join Weidensaul on an unforgettable voyage of discovery that will forever change the way you perceive these remarkable creatures and the natural world we share.