“The study of birds’ eggs may seem an indulgence. Who cares about eggs?” So mulls the author in his epilogue. A valid question, but for biologists (and those interested in the natural world) an unnecessary one. It is true that only specialists will understand eggs in a mechanistic sense, but for everyone else who wonders, this book is a great primer. Not riddled with detailed minutia or technical jargon, it describes such things as how eggs are fertilized, shells are constructed and pigmented, and how chicks hatch. All obvious things most know happen, but cannot immediately explain. There are occasional diagrams to help the reader visualize some concepts, but the true highlight is a series of colored plates depicting a variety of eggs in all their glory. Overall, this is a pleasant and informative read written by an expert who is obviously passionate about the subject matter, which is always much appreciated.
Rafael Romero, PhD