What It's Like to Be a Bird—Paintings by David Sibley

Cooper’s Hawk, acrylic © David Sibley

David Sibley is America's pre-eminent field guide artist and author. His Sibley Guide to Birds, published in 2000, quickly became the new standard of excellence in bird identification guides, and the fastest-selling bird guide ever.

His newest book—published in April 2020—is What It's Like to Be a Bird, about the amazing science of birds' lives. It features more than 330 beautiful new illustrations in a large format, many of which are life-sized.

In the book, Sibley uses non-technical language to answer some of the most common questions asked by both seasoned birders and the general public, such as:

• How do eagles see so well?
• Why do birds sing?
• How much does a feather grow in one day?

What It’s Like to Be a Bird will appeal to beginning birders as well as more experienced birdwatchers, and is a great book for adults to share with children.

This exhibition displays Sibley's delightful original art from the book, accompanied by captions with fascinating new scientific research about birds. Visitors will see more than 40 of Sibley's paintings, including 29 bird portraits painted double life-size.

On display from October 16, 2020, through June 6, 2021.

David Sibley © Erinn Hartman

Exhibition Information

Thursdays, Fridays, & Sundays • 12:00–5:00 pm
Saturdays • 9:00 am–5:00 pm

The exhibition is in the gallery at the Museum of American Bird Art.

963 Washington Street, Canton, MA 02021
Get Directions >