This highly illustrated, playful field guide to common international birds brings the art of observology to the science of ornithology, showing the many ways these familiar creatures are remarkable if you take time to look.

Have you seen a bird today? Probably, unless you’re reading this in bed. Did you truly look at the bird? To open your ornithological eyes and ears, meet the Omnibird.

An Omnibird contains the essential birdiness of every bird—it was born from an egg, has feathers, two legs, a beak and gizzard, perhaps some premium features like spurs or a curuncle. Once you recognize the Omnibird, you’ll see the remarkable in any bird. You’ll be expert at finding extraordinary things around you, just by looking.

Omnibird describes 12 common birds from habitats around the world—eagles, owls and seabirds, starlings, ducks and swans. You will explore the incredible internal structure of bird bones, learn what a gizzard stone is for, meet the tiny creatures that live on birds, and find the fascinating in eggs, bird poop, feathers, and flight patterns.

Now you’re an Omnibird expert, you’ll look at every bird in new ways every day.

Giselle Clarkson is an illustrator and comic artist based in Greytown, New Zealand, known for her comics on conservation and environmental topics. She has illustrated award-winning picture books and nonfiction and is a 2023 Arts Foundation Laureate, receiving the prestigious Mallinson Rendel Illustrators Award.