This unique book covers all aspects of bird nutrition, bringing together research from such diverse fields as ecology, poultry production, zoo biology and biomedical science. It provides in-depth discussions of the physical and biochemical processes of digestion, the metabolic functions of nutrients, and the evolutionary adaptations to accommodate their wide ranging diets. The book emphasizes the quantitative nature of nutrition and the practical dietary requirements of captive and wild bird populations throughout their life cycles. It is an invaluable resource for advanced students of animal nutrition and poultry science and for research ornithologists. It will also be useful for practicing nutritionists working with farmed, pet, zoo or wild birds.