What do crested tits and Ukrainian housewives have in common? Why do female penguins like chubby men and why did peacocks dislike Darwin? Is there really such thing as swan loyalty and how do ducks get rid of the impudent suitors? The ornithologist Natalia Atamas knows the answers to these questions. With a wit and humor she explains why birds build harems and how they "edit" the number and quality of their offspring, how they build nests and look for mates, get ready for wintering and why bird couples break and leave their families. A special place in the book is devoted to the culture of birdwatching and its therapeutic effect on people.