The Earth is inhabited by more than 8.5 thousand species of birds and 3.5 thousand species of mammals. This book is dedicated to the huge, diverse and enchanting world of our feathered and four-legged neighbors on the planet. Articles written by leading zoological scientists vividly and vividly tell about the habits and customs of hundreds of species of birds and animals, about where they live, what they feed on, how they raise offspring. Not forgotten are those animals that have been our companions for thousands of years - domestic cats, horses and dogs. The reader will find in the book and basic scientific information about the structure and evolution of animals, and advice - how to observe the life of wild birds and animals, how to care for their pets. The book can be used as an additional teaching aid in a high school zoology course, but will be of interest to nature lovers of all ages.