Amazon.com

If you're looking to add an Andean gull, Dalmatian pelican, Indian skimmer, or Fiji petrel to your life list, you'll want to have this beautifully illustrated photographic guide, with more than 740 plates, close to hand. Each of the 325-odd seabird species is described with a range map indicating principal breeding grounds, along with informative identification notes distinguishing seasonal coloration and commenting on characteristic behavior (such as the white-chinned petrel's penchant for trailing after ships in mid-ocean). The tubenose identification keys at the end of the book are notably well made, and the index contains a handy checklist for the dedicated spotter. ... Read more

Book Description

With more than 700 color paintings arranged by families for quick comparison of similar species, and with detailed information on range, habitat, size, and voice, this field guide describes and illustrates 1,038 species of Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and El Salvador. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Could use some completing.
This Peterson Guide to Mexican Birds is very beautiful in the illustration category. However, it is not the most complete guide on the market. I would solely recommended the Western Guide to Birds, since it is the most complete bird guide yet. Birds of Britain and Europe is also needed to complete Mexican Birds. The authoritative highlight of the guide are the extensive listings of hummingbirds. This book covers at least twenty species. Other families and genus are mentioned, but many are lacking. The Western Guide to Bird Nests may also be needed to better explain and complete this.

Not Worthy of the Name
I love Peterson's Guides, but the birds of Mexico is severely lacking. The art certainly holds up to the standard set by the guides to North America, but unfortunately, it can only be considered complete if you tag along two other Peterson Guides. Perhaps a good addition if you wish to complete your collection of Peterson Guides, but otherwise, buy Howell's or Edward's Guides, both of which far outshine this guide when considered alone. Howell's is certainly the most complete, but Edward's guide is a bit handier in the field.

dissatisfied
I ordered this book, used, even though there was an unfavorable review. I have a number of Peterson books and like them all. The Mexican book is the exception. The one I received was from a very old edition, had incomplete illustrations of many birds, making identification difficult to impossible, and did not picture many birds found in other Peterson guide books. It is the worst. The reseller did ship the book promptly but I did not pay attention to the edition date and was unaware that there was a later edition of the book.

Buy the Spanish version!
Other reviewers have already indicated the limitations of this book: pictures of many species and Spanish names are missing. I would add that the bibliography is lacking up-to-date references to the most usefull other guides about Mexican birds:

- A Guide to the Birds of Mexico and Northern Central America, by Steve N.G. Howell and Sophie Webb;

- A field guide to the birds of Mexico and Adjacent Areas, by Ernest Preston Edwards. (revised edition, 1998)

Both these books also have their limitations but they are essential complements to Peterson's guide and Howell and Webb's guide is much more comprehensive.

For Spanish-speaking people I would strongly recommend to buy the Spanish version of Peterson's guide:

- Aves de Mexico. Guía de Campo. (Editorial Diana, Mexico).

This Spanish version includes explanations and pictures of all Mexican birds and it even has the English names (no index of English names, however). Amazon is not stocking this title but perhaps they will, if you insist.

One glaring omission
This book describes birds of Mexico in the usual annoying Peterson format - decription on one page, illustration on another. The illustrations and descriptions are good, and for birds of Mexico, there are only a couple other guides to choose from. Two problems:

1. Mexican birds that are covered in Peterson's guides to the birds of North America, or the guide to birds of Texas, are not illustrated. You'll have to bring at least one other book.

2. Really glaring omission: no mention of the Spanish names of the birds! Did Peterson really think we would do all our Mexican birding from the north bank of the Rio Grande, with a really good spotting scope? (The Spanish names of the birds can be found on the website of the Museo de las Aves) ... Read more

Book Description

This is the definitive book on the seabirds of the world, describing virtually all the known species.Illustrated in color. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

State of the art
This book is fantastic, and it has really set the standards for identification guides to come. Furthermore it has a size that makes it possible for you to bring it with you in the field.

The book has absolutely everything you need to know about seabirds. It is written in a very logical way and the plates are very good. The first 23 pages are an introduction to the subject, an overview of the glossary etc. Pages that makes it possible for you to understand the describtions of the birds later in the book - even if you are a beginner.

After the introduction there is 88 plates with drawings of all the seabirds in the world, including subspecies. All the plates are in colour and has been drawn from field notes and photos. The paintings are great and they will be a very good help when you are out there doing the birding.

After the section with the plates there is describtions of all the birds. After the describtions there are distribution maps. The describtions are very good, but the maps could have been slightly bigger, in order to give the reader a better chance to find out the (more or less) exact distribution of the species.

I haven't seen any books on seabirds that are compareable to this on. It is the state of the art when it comes to seabirds and fieldguides. You simply need this book if you are into seabirds. Buy it!

The definitive guide to Seabirds.
The definitive guide to Seabirds, including excellent coverage of gulls. Global coverage.

Highly influencial bird guide
Before Peter Harrison: "Hmm, that was some kind of sea-gull wasn't it?"
After Peter Harrison: "By Jove, what a fine example of a juvenile female intermediate-morph Pomarine Jaeger!"

-- Alexander Pasmur ... Read more

Book Description

In the summer of 1998, award-winning writer and biologist Bernd Heinrich found himself the unwitting -- but doting -- foster parent of an adorable gosling named Peep. Good-natured, spirited Peep drew Heinrich into her world -- one he found to be filled with as much color and drama as that of her human counterparts.

And so, with a scientist's training and a nature lover's boundless curiosity and enthusiasm, Heinrich set out to observe and understand the travails and triumphs of the Canada geese, or honkers, living in the beaver bog adjacent to his rural Vermont home. His presence in the bog, at all hours, in all weather, became as commonplace as that of the local beavers and birds. The resident geese learned that Heinrich could be trusted, enabling him to watch and record their daily routines from up close.

Heated battles over territory, mysterious nest raids, jealousy over a lover's inattention, all are recounted here in an engaging, anecdotal narrative that sheds light on how geese live and why they behave as they do. Far from staid or predictable, the lives of geese are packed with adventure and full of surprises.

In The Geese of Beaver Bog, Heinrich takes his readers through mud, icy waters, and overgrown sedge hummocks into a seemingly impenetrable world. He does so with deft insight, respectful modesty, and infectious good humor. Illustrated throughout with Heinrich's trademark sketches and featuring beautiful four-color photographs, The Geese of Beaver Bog is part love story, part science experiment, and wholly delightful.

Reviews (1)

A scientist's eye and a writer's eloquence
The serendipitous adoption of a gosling sparked several years' close observation of her species as they nested in the bog near biologist Heinrich's Vermont home.

The bog itself, with its variety of teeming life, provides a rich background community, illuminated by Heinrich's breadth of knowledge, curiosity and eloquence. Heinrich's ever-present sense of wonder ("Winter World," "Mind of the Raven") animates his keen scientific eye, quickening a corresponding fascination in the reader.

His observations of geese, "peripheral to swamp watching," began in 1997 when a pair of Canada geese nested on a hummock in the beaver pond where Heinrich came every dawn, mostly to observe the beavers. Habituating himself to the pair, he expected to be able to enjoy a summer of observing their family life, but the day after the goslings hatched, the whole family disappeared, not to be seen again. The same thing happened the next year, and the next.

Meanwhile, in 1998, Heinrich's toddler son acquired a day-old Canada goose, Peep. In just a few short paragraphs Heinrich conveys the manic difficulties of raising goose and toddler together over a summer, and the regret and relief when Peep disappeared one day, presumably to join one of the migrating flocks overhead. It was two years before he saw her again - standing on his gravel driveway with her mate at dawn, after announcing her presence in a raucous flight around his house.

As Peep and her mate, dubbed Pop, showed signs of trying to nest (although Peep was a year younger than the usual nesting age) at the bog pond, Heinrich's enthusiasm for goose watching reached new heights. Often arriving before dawn, he observed the interactions between the resident pair and Peep and Pop as well as other geese that came to the bog looking to nest.

The fights were noisy, dramatic, and puzzling, since there was plenty of room and food for all. But the resident pair drove off all comers and Peep and Pop finally chose a less desirable area nearby. To Heinrich's delight, Peep laid some eggs and the pair settled in. But Peep was not as attentive as older mothers tend to be and her nest was attacked more than once, its eggs tossed out. Though Heinrich did not catch them in the act, he suspected the resident geese in the adjacent pond, as the eggs were not eaten.

While observing Peep and Pop's trials and tribulations as well as feeding and pair bonding behavior, and the dramas enacted between other geese, Heinrich also notes the inexplicable antics of the red-winged blackbirds, the forest-shaping habits of the beavers, and the baby-sitting behaviors of grackles, among many others. He relates the process of habituating the geese to his presence and how Peep's treatment of him differed from that of the wild geese.

Though none ever went so far as Peep and her reluctant mate who visited his yard daily whenever possible, Jane (the resident goose in the main pond) allowed him to examine her nest, even after the eggs had hatched.

Watching the geese over several years, Heinrich reports a number of curious and anomalous behaviors. The myth of the faithful goose explodes in a drama of faithlessness and opportunism any soap opera could be proud of, a drama that helps to explain some of the other puzzling anomalies he notes.

Like any scientist Heinrich reaches theoretical conclusions, but he saves them until the end, allowing the reader to puzzle things out independently. He also includes four appendices: a chronology of geese at the two beaver ponds; a summary of pioneering ethologist (animal behaviorist) Konrad Lorenz' work with the Greylag geese, which Heinrich read extensively after concluding his own observations; a discussion of the races and populations of Canada Geese, and a list of birds found around Beaver Bog. Naturally he also includes an extensive list of sources by topic.

An involving, engaging and vivid writer, Heinrich reminds us how intricate and amazing a place the world is, while illuminating a bit of its mystery. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

An absolutely wonderful source of information!
This book is absolutely wonderful! Last summer I worked for a company that took passengers out of Provincetown and went out to watch whales. As the naturalist, my job was to provide information about the environment and the things we were seeing there. This book was with me on every trip! There were many occasions when I walked around showing pictures out of it or used it for a quick reference. It was enjoyable and easy to read!

A very informative, but easy, read.
An excellent overview of the Fauna of StellWagon Bank. It includes many wonderful photopgraphs. There is also pretty balanced account of some of the significant environmental issues effecting the bank.

Educational and entertaining for scientists young and old
I purchased this book because I am doing a paper about Stellwagen Bank. If you are interested in marine biology, whales, oceanography or know a young budding marine biologist, this book is an excellent and very enjoyable resource. It is easy to read, good photos, yet packed with information about everything from Captain Stellwagen to glacier formation to the numerous forms of sea life that thrive in Stellwagen Bank. It is peppered with lore about the history of local fishermen and the former whaling industry, and very interesting tidbits about the Massachusetts coast. A bright youngster on your gift list would enjoy this book, as would the college student or anyone seeking knowledge about the sea and the life forms that depend on it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Tireless explorer of the natural world and wide-ranging traveler, documentary filmmaker and writer David Attenborough has delighted readers and viewers with such productions as Life on Earth and The Living Planet. In this companion to a 10-part PBS series of the same name, Attenborough examines the ways of bird species from prehistoric times to the present, writing, as he admits, from the viewpoint of an amateur with a particular interest in animal behavior. (Those who can distinguish a bird at sight or by song possess a skill, he writes, "which I greatly admire, but one, alas, that I do not possess.") That amateur passion yields a fine overview of avian biology, as Attenborough turns to such matters as the antiquity of birds, which have dominated the air for some 150 million years, and the adaptation of birds to every ecosystem on the planet--for no obstacle, from huge mountains to wide oceans, has been able to stop their colonizing the whole of the globe, including the artificial deserts of major cities, where pigeons and peregrines rule. Graced with 180 color photographs, Attenborough's book will delight birdwatchers, students of animal behavior, and admirers of good writing alike. --Gregory McNamee ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Just call him Sir David Attenbird
David Attenborough has surpassed himself with this book. Previously best know for THE LIVING PLANET, here with the LIFE OF BIRDS he shows where his real interests lie - they fly. Written in a clear, easy, straightforward prose, Attenborough takes us around the world, using species from various locations to illustrate the books different themes. In discussing flightlessness we are introduced to some of the strangest birds alive today; one of the best known examples being New Zealand's Kiwi. Matching the Kiwi in flightlessness, and in possessing a sublime name, are the Kakapo, Weka and Takahe. When the book discusses plumage and courtship we are taken to the proper place: New Guinea - to look at birds-of-paradise and bowerbirds.

LIFE OF BIRDS is heavily illustrated with full color photographs; at least one per page. The book covers a wide variety of topics such as nesting, parenting, fishing, hunting, and endurance. Attenborough discusses the interesting, and sometimes contentious issues in ornithology, namely: the origins of birds, the evolution of flight, migratory behavior, and bird extinctions. He does this in a very balanced manner, mentioning all the various theories.

A good introduction to bird behavior and a perfect gift for a bird lover.

Fine Feathered Friends
Sir David Attenborough, veteran of many major book/television series combinations, has knocked them for six again with 'The Life of Birds'. This book is the perfect companion for learning more while watching the series, and yet stands alone admirably for those who haven't seen the series.

Sir David examines all aspects of the diversity of the community of birds. He begins with a discussion of what is considered the prime difference between birds and other animals -- flight. He starts by examining the archaeological record, and then proceeds to examine reasons why flight might have come to be developed in the first place. One of the early fossils of flying animals is the Archaeopteryx, which Sir David states 'could not have been the first backboned animal to have taken to the air. Its feathers have such a complex structure that they must be the product of a long evolutionary process...'

Of course, flight is not a requirement of birds. 'Giant flightless birds, however, do still stalk the earth,' says Sir David, who then proceeds to examine flightless birds and the reasons why they abandoned flight. 'Flying is very expensive in terms of energy and birds do not travel by air if it is safe for them to do so by land.'

Sir David examines the life cycles of several species of bird, from egg to death, which includes the feeding habits, the mating habits, and the limits of endurance. Here you will learn the different nesting and parenting problems. 'Most birds of prey lay more eggs than they can raise, feed the eldest preferentially and allow it to harry its younger sibling so unrelentingly that it dies. The winner will then usually eat the loser, so the nutriment invested by the parents in the extra egg and the food they have given to the nestling it produced, is not wasted. The macaroni penguin has a strange variant of this practice. It also lays two eggs, but the first is smaller than the second, hatches later and seldom survives.'

You will learn about different feeding patterns, including those birds which nose-dive into water to catch their dinner. 'Entering the water in order to find food clearly presents greater problems than making brief dips with the beak. Because birds are warm-blooded, they run the risk of getting seriously chilled.'

The European dipper relies upon oils and air pockets between feathers to keep itself warm during such dips. Of course, many birds live on or in the water. This points out the diversity apparent in birds. Obviously penguins, ducks, geese, etc. have no problems in the water, even very cold water.

Mating habits include such things as bright plumage, interesting movements and feather patterns that change, songs and signals, and even intricate dance/flight patterns. For instance, the blue-footed booby of Galapagos tends to display and dance to attract a mate (very human of it, in fact!). Some mate more easily than others -- 'The male European wren expects to provide her with a nest and a male may build up to a dozen nests in different sites before he produces one that convinces a female that he will be an adequate partner.' The photographs in this section of the book are very interesting, many are humourous and some even romantic.

The limits of endurance show that birds have adapted themselves to every climate on earth. Emperor penguins have no trouble with the antarctic cold. The sandgrouse has adapted itself to desert climates. And of course, several birds have adapted themselves to the environments of humanity, thriving on the food production methods and refuse of our society.

A fascinating tale, a great life to be read. 'The Life of Birds' is essential to any armchair birdwatcher, and anyone interested in nature, and will be enjoyed by many more.

Quite a Lot of Reviews Already; Let's Keep it Brief.
I have recently reviewed The Life of Mammals, also by David Attenborough, and I liked that book so much I had to go out and find this book, in which the author tells us about birds.

I have always thought that David Attenborough was most fascinated by birds, judging from this item and his television series. As usual, his enthusiasm comes across as honest, concise, and illuminating (no slogging through dry texts here; this is fun).

Beautiful color photographs are not only a nice bonus here, but are detailed and large (certainly there has gone as much care into them as the rest of the book). The Life of Birds is structured in 10 chapters that each in turn handles a separate item (example: The Demands of the Egg is about, well, eggs). But the whole spectrum of bird-life is treated here: feeding, all kinds of behavior, etc., etc..

Good reading.

Everything I've never found anywhere else is in this book!
LOVE IT! This book is not merely a supplement to the phenomenally interesting and educational TV series (available on DVD or VHS and worth every penny and then some), it stands on its own. EVERYTHING a bird lover, casual or professional, might ever have wondered about when observing these graceful creatures is in this book: how birds evolved; how they adapted and often specialized depending on their habitat of choice; evolution of color and "male fashion"; mating rituals; and breeding details. The reader learns not only HOW birds do certain things, but also WHY they do them. The How is fascinating: how birds sing, how an egg is formed, etc.; but the WHY is just as interesting and often mind-boggling, i.e., why birds sing at dawn... You can't get such detailed information anywhere else that I know of. (Bird identification guides do not cover these topics because that's not their purpose.) Sir David Attenborough has a style all his own, and his voice jumps off every single page. I didn't merely READ this book, I ABSORBED it! Although scientific in nature, this book is so entertainingly written that the reader hardly notices how much knowledge is conveyed upon him. I am a devoted fan of Sir David Attenborough and am presently reading some of his earlier books which are just as beautifully written and presented. I also just received his latest books (Blue Planet and Life Of Mammals) and am eagerly looking forward to reading them as well!

Absolutely the Best Bird Read EVER!
The organization of topics and flow from one to the other make this the only book about birds I have read from cover to cover. David Attenborough's distinctive prose is as much a pleasure to read as it is to listen to in his documentaries. The information offered is fascinating and, from what I gather, new at the time of publication to even the scientific world. As an aviculture hobbyist and lifelong bird lover The Life of Birds is the cherry on the cake of my book collection. If my house were on fire or I had to spend a year on a desert island and I could only keep one book it would be David Attenborough's The Life of Birds. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great how-to guide for any backyard birder
The Stokes have put out several books on birds, and definitely know their stuff. It shows in this book, which has just about everything you could ask for.

One section goes over the different types of feeders, and the various seeds that birds enjoy. Hummingbirds get their own special mention, as do squirrel baffle techniques. There's even a section on bird behavior - what to watch for, what certain things mean.

Then the book goes into the common birds found at backyard feeders. There are lovely photos of each bird, a map showing where they tend to live, how to tell them from other similar birds, how they act, what they eat, and much more.

Great informative bird feeder book!
This book is perfect for anyone who is thinking about putting up a bird feeder or another bird feeder like myself. The first section in this book deals with the different kinds of feeders, how to attract the bird, and troubleshooting problems. Following that section is a part on bird behavior. Finally, their is a long section of birds. For each bird, the Stokes identify what they eat and like. In the back of the book there is a list of resources for bird feeders and supplies. Finally, the last few pages show how to keep a bird feeder journal. I very well rounded informative book. I would recommend it to anyone who's feeding feathered friends.

ADDITIONAL FUN FROM A BIRD FEEDER
I HAVE A BIRD FEEDER OUTSIDE MY OFFICE WINDOW-THIS BOOK IS EASY AND ADDS TO THE NATURAL INTEREST OF THE ACTIVITY OUT THERE- IT'S ACTUALLY REALLY SERIOUS FOR THE BIRDS__LIFE AND DEATH_AND THEY HAVE A SOCIAL ORDER__BUT IT ALL SEEMS TO WORK AND THIS BOOK HELPS TO DEEPEN THE OBSERVATION ... Read more

Book Description

The culmination of more than a decade of work, this is the most complete manual available on the large family of insectivorous passerines, the Old World warblers Sylviidae, native to Israel and other Mediterranean countries.

The authors include detailed information on the phylogeny, distribution, ecology, appearance, and behavior of Sylvia warblers. They draw on tremendous experience and expertise to sort out the complex plumage variations of these notoriously stealthy birds, noting coloration changes by distribution, age, and sex. Attention is also given to the wide variation in song among Sylvia. The volume contains an incredible amount of original data, compiled from field studies and meticulous museum research. Importantly, the authors use a novel approach to systematics, resulting in the proposal of four new species splits. One of Europe's finest bird illustrators contributed the beautiful color plates, and a respected pioneer in field bird photography spent countless hours in desert conditions to obtain the 546 remarkable color photographs of these furtive warblers.

No other book has provided such an abundance of detail for one genus of birds, nor the quality and number of illustrations showing individual and geographic variation. All this, combined with DNA information on systematic relationships, makes this book unique among modern identification guides. It is that rare guide that constitutes both a major contribution to ornithology and an excellent reference for birders. It marks a new stage in ornithological literature and will set the standard for future works. ... Read more

Book Description

Robert Tyrrell, the world's foremost photographer of hummingbirds, has successfully captured on film the utterly fascinating day-to-day activities of our colorful North American species. Included among the 235 full-color pictures are never-before-photographed sequences such as nesting, molting, preening and territorial aggression, as well as an unprecedented portfolio of hummingbirds feeding from wildflowers.

Esther Tyrrell has written the accompanying illuminating text, by far the most complete and up-to-date information on hummingbirds ever assembled, which will make this book the definitive source for both scientists and the general reader for years to come.

This lavishly illustrated volume opens with an introduction to this lovely family of ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Unbelievable photography
This book conains the most amazing photography imaginable (the authors' companion book Hummingbirds of the Caribbean is just as wonderful). Dazzling colors and awesome stopped-action shots. I can't imagine how it was done.

Highest praise
The wife and husband team of Esther and Robert Tyrrell logged over 30,000 miles of travel to photograph and document the 16 species of North American hummingbirds. Using his own special high-speed strobe techniques, Robert has photographed the tiny colorful birds in a variety of activities flying, perching, and nesting. The book contains over 200 amazing photographs, reproduced in dazzling color. In her text, Esther has culled information from hundreds of sources and provides a comprehensive and well-written overview of the birds' anatomy and behaviors. A must for any bird lover! ... Read more

Book Description

The Birds of East Africa is the first comprehensive field guide to this spectacular region. Small and compact, the guide covers a remarkable 1388 species, and three experienced artists have painstakingly prepared 287 plates with almost 3400 images illustrating all the plumages and major races likely to be encountered. Set opposite the plates are concise descriptive accounts dealing with identification, status, habits and voice, and range maps. Background sections include notes on how to use the species accounts, nomenclature, conservation, where to send records, and maps of protected and other important bird areas.

Includes:

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An overview of East African birds
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East African environment
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Seasonality
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Plumage
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Species accounts
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Common alternative names
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Conservation and threatened species
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The local scene
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Glossary, references, and an index

Key Features:

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Small and compact
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Comprehensive species
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All distinctive plumages and races illustrated
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Color plates
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Illustrations
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All species ranges mapped
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Key protected and important bird areas mapped

Reviews (4)

a good start - but a thorough review is in order
I used this field guide during my recent trip to Kenya and Uganda. Although it is by all means an excellent fieldguide I do have some remarks. A number of the plates contained errors, suggesting the artists didn't see these birds in the field. I realise it is virtually impossible for artists to see all species featured in a book such as this in the field, so that a lot of plates are drawn from skins. It is important however to use skins from the region itself, this may make a lot of difference. We came to the conclusion that for a number of species skins from west Africa were used. Especially the greenbuls had some misleading plates. For a number of species the Kenyan Zimmerman-book is probably better, although those plates lack in other respects.
In addition a number of the maps were incorrect, especially for Uganda.
Still, if you go to the region for birding, make sure to get this book, because it is definitely the best field guide around.

The perfect field guide!
This book really sets a very high standard and we can only hope other parts of the world's tropics will get similar guides in due time. The plates are just about as superb as one could possibly wish for. When you compare this book with the new field guides that have recently come out for South America, it seems like there are two worlds! Just compare the flamingos, the osprey, or the parrots with the pictures you find in "The Field Guide to the Birds of Peru" and you know what I mean! There is also an excellent lay-out, with helpful concise text and useful range maps all neatly placed together. And the book is still amazingly compact.

Fabulous new East African bird book.
After years of having one of the world's worst bird books, East Africa now has two of the best. The Zimmerman/Turner book on Kenya and Northern Tanzania, the work of 30 years, set a new standard of scholarship and illustration. This book draws on that one, but is even better for the tourist and field birder. It covers all of Uganda and Tanzania, as well as Rwanda and Burundi. It is smaller and lighter to carry. And the illustrations and their placement in related groups on the same page are simply outstanding. This is one of the best bird books in the world and will dominate the market for years to come.

Field Guide to the Birds of East Africa is superb!!
I think I have all the guides to the birds of East Africa in the last 30 years, but this most recent by Terry Stevenson and John Fanshawe is certainly the most comprehensive, artistically excellent and usable. Ber van Perlo's Collins Illustrated Checklist "Birds of Eastern Africa" is smaller and lighterweight but no comparison, nor intended to be, in description or plate detail. This new volume, with a 2002(!) publication date has amongst the best plates and abbreviated descriptions, in my opinion, ever published in a comparable volume on birds. Artists John Gale and Brian Small are fabulous (Norman Arlott lacks their skills, but does his subjects justice as well). It is a exceedingly worthwhile complement to Dale Zimmerman's larger format "Birds of Kenya and northern Tanzania" and includes all of Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi as well. Don't miss this book! ... Read more

Book Description

Published in association with America's preeminent authority, the Smithsonian Institution.

This comprehensive reference to the birds of North America includes full-page profiles of more than 930 species -- all the birds known to breed in the United States or Canada, as well as regular visitors and vagrants to the continent. Smithsonian Birds of North America provides essential identification tips for each species together with fascinating information on feeding and behavior, breeding, and nesting habits.

Identification. Full-page species profiles combine a precise description and annotated photographs to highlight the key field marks of the adult male. Other plumages are portrayed with photographs or artworks if they differ significantly. Species similar to the one profiled are shown with a brief summary of the key differences. An explanation of the typical flight pattern of each species includes both schematic artworks and a verbal description.

Life histories. Knowledge of behavior can be critical to differentiate between similar species, and an understanding of life histories enhances the total birding experience. Each profile includes a description of the typical vocalizations, feeding behavior, breeding, nesting, population, and conservation concerns. A range map shows each bird's occurrence in North America during summer, winder, and on migration. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A Pretty Good Bird Reference Book
If you love birds, you may want to add this book to your collection. Clearly it is not a field guide: too heavy and bulky. It does, however, contain a great deal of information that will help in the never ending quest to find and identify another bird. Each bird listed has a section on song, behavior, breeding habits, nesting, population, and conservation. Flight patterns, nest identification, and habitat are also described iconically. Good range maps are included. The "photos" will not help much in identifying birds, but a complementary guide such as Sibley's can fill in the gap nicely. Place this book on your coffee table, open it often to learn another tidbit about one of those birds you haven't yet seen, and I don't think it will be disappointing.

Tremendous Value and Information
This book has more information than any other book I own. You will find birds listed here that you won't find elsewhere and the information offered is second to none. Considering the cost of this book, the value is tremendous. You will find common names, scientific names, very specific identification notes and interesting facts on all the birds listed. In the upper right hand corner of each page is a diagram showing the relative size of the bird to the size of this book and this is very helpful. You'll also find information on breeding, nesting and basic behavioral aspects of each listing. I personally recommend this book to any casual or enthusiastic birder.

Birds of North America by Fred J. Alsop lll
This is a great addition to any home or collection. This book has the family, species(latin name),length, wingspan, plumage habitat, weight, nesting, and more for over 930 species of North American birds on over 1000 pages.

Birds of North America
Birds of North America written by Fred J. Alsop is one of the most complete books on birds of North America that I've seen.

The contents of this book is comprehensive and has a very well-written introduction and a how the book works section, this describes how the books pages are set-up for easy indentification of the birds you find in the wild. The guide to visual references helps again to further refine your classification and a identifing of the bird you've found.

There is an anatomy, topography, and variations sections; also a how to identify birds, birds in flight and by silhouette, but to further hone your indentifing of your birds, there is a behavior, abundance and distribution; classification and how to watch birds in the backyard, along with those in the field.

There is a very fine glossary and index with this book to get the birder to the species you've found. this book classifies birds by species... this I found is the best and fastest way to find and classify to birds you're looking for.

I highly recommend this book for those who really need a book for their birding experience. Along the outside margins of the pages, there is a place for a date, time and location on the page for you when you spot a bird species.

All in all, this is by far, one of the best bird book that I've seen. Excellent choice for a gift for the birder in your family or to get the children involved in what is around them while the are with you on walks through the woods.

If you love birds -- don't hesitate! Get this book!
Just got home from B&N, where I saw this book -- I spent a LOT of time flipping through it ... talk about lust! I must have this book ... must must must. After this review I'll buy it now at [...]. I knew [...] would have it at a discount (no discount on it at B&N), plus this tome is very heavy ... and I already had a stack of books (seriously discounted) that I couldn't part with. I'm not even a serious birder, but I love birds and keep track of those that visit my Brooklyn patio (you'd be amazed at the variety!). Can't wait 'til it shows up ... this is truly a handsome book, chock full of terrific photos and info. Splurge and treat yourself! ... Read more

Book Description

This book, along with recordings of the distinctive voices of owls on a double CD that may be purchased with it, is an invaluable aid to identifying owl species throughout the world. The book details owl ecology and reproductive behavior, describes three new tropical owl species, and presents 64 beautiful color plates of these elusive birds. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

An important, basic, comprehensive, indispensable reference.
If only one definitive, technical guide to owls of the world were to be purchased for a serious reference collection, this should be considered: its color drawings identifying owls of the world are detailed and well done, while the small maps and descriptions of natural history and habitat are specific and in-depth coverages. Owls is an important, basic, and comprehensive reference.

Owls of the world
A stunning and fresh look at the Owls of the world. Each of the 212 species recognised by the Authors is described in detail, including Habits, vocalisations, distribution and current status. 64 colour plates add visual credence to the descriptions. This is all preceded by a general overview of Owl anatomy, behaviour, vocalisations, and breeding and nesting habits. Evidence is also presented to support the Authors' views on taxonomy. If you only ever buy one book about Owls, make it this one! ... Read more

Book Description

InDiscovering Birds, Paul Lawrence Farber rejects the view that eighteenth-century natural history disappeared with the rise of nineteenth-century biology. In this penetrating case study of the history of ornithology, Farber demonstrates interesting continuities: as natural history evolved into individual sciences (botany, geology, and zoology) and specialties (entomology and ichthyology), the study of birds emerged as a distinct scientific discipline that remained observational and taxonomic. Ornithologists continued to see one of their primary tasks as classification, and they found no need to alter their approach.

Their efforts were greatly aided at the end of the eighteenth century as colonization and exploration brought new dataa plethora of exotic and previously unknown birds. By the mid-nineteenth century, ornithology had become a scientific discipline with international experts, a large empirical base, and a rigorous methodology of watching and cataloging.

Book Description

"Farrand states the rationale for his procedure succinctly, leaving most of the pages' space for photos that are sharp and truly enough colored to be fully legible..." - Booklist. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Photos not just drawings
One of it's best features is the additional photo of the bird in flight, this makes identication easier. I looked over many books before I decided on this one, it is well organized and the photos are much better over those pictured with drawings. With each bird pictured is a list of similar species, I wish there were pictures of these too but than it would be too heavy to carry with me. My uncle has had many birder books for years and this is still his favorite too.Diane

All in all a worthy field guide.
I've owned this field guide for quite some time. The pictures and text are all good. I believe it would have been a better book had it had actual maps of of the birds distribution though. Describing where a particular bird is located geographically just in words without a map is not what I like. Other than that, this is more than an adequate guide for any person who enjoys birding. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A focal point of all turkey research
I purchased this book in anticipation of answering some self generated questions about wild turkeys. Not only was ALL of my questions answered, but it provided information beyond my needs. I would highly recommend it to any biologist or hunter.

Excellent reference book on the wild tukey
This book reveals valuable information about wild turkey biology and behavior. Naturalists, wildlife biologists, and hunters would find this book useful. Scientific research is presented so that everyone can understand the data. ... Read more

Book Description

Birdwatchers have long waited for a comprehensive and up-to-date identification guide for the Indian subcontinent. This exhaustively researched and beautifully produced book will finally meet that need. Written by three leading experts on the region--Richard Grimmett, Carol Inskipp, and Tim Inskipp--the book provides complete information about the 1,300 species of birds found in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. The guide is firmly rooted in the authors' extensive field experience, reflected in the accuracy and fullness of their bird descriptions.

The guide features more than 150 color plates by eminent bird illustrators from Europe and India that depict all the species in the region, ranging from the Himalayan Snowcock in the north to the Sri Lanka Spurfowl in the south. The plates include all relevant identifiable subspecies, as well as ages and sexes. The text consists of a detailed identification section, discussing the differences between similar species and containing descriptions of vocalizations, habits, habitat, breeding, distribution, and status. There are distributional maps for nearly all species. And the authors' introduction provides useful background information about such subjects as conservation, the history of ornithology on the subcontinent, and the climate. A detailed bibliography provides an introduction to the prolific literature on the subcontinent.

This is a landmark publication that will be enthusiastically welcomed by all birdwatchers with an interest in the extraordinary variety of birds in this vast and diverse region. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Comprehensive and excellent, but not a field guide
Ali and Ripley's masterwork cannot be touched in terms of the completeness of individual descriptions, but this volume is amazing in that it draws together all the subcontinent's spp. into one book. Even so, the tome is too heavy to carry to the field. The taxonomy is updated, as is the species list. The colour illustrations are of a very high quality; my quibble is that the individual species are too small to be very useful. The maps are miniscule and that limits their utility; the use of two colours would have helped under the circumstances. Otherwise, this book is a long-awaited treasure.

The best guide for the birds of the Indian Subcontinent.
Simply the best available guide to the birds of the Indian Subcontinent. Subcontinental birders have long awaited a comphrehensive guide to the birds of this region.

No other guide comes close in quality of drawings, text and range maps. Though too large and heavy to be called a field guide. It is still brought on trips to be reviewed after a day in the field.

We eagerly await the publication of this book as a true 'field guide'- that will be useable in the field.

The best available book on birds of Indian subcontinent.
This is the best one-volume book on the market at this time. It has very good illustrations and good species accounts that include excellent range maps. It is the only book of one volume that covers all the birds of the Indian subcontinent with this quality of illustration. The range maps are very good and there is an adequate amount of information about each bird. It's too heavy to take into the field on your trip to India, but it is an excellent reference. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

One of the first comprehensive Bluebird books
Great reference - gives information on everything from migration to nest site selection to nest building (and differentiating between BB and other bird nests), courtship behavior, what they do if one parent dies, raising the young etc. There's a new book out by Cornell's Lab of Ornithology (Bluebird Monitors Guide I think its called) and it takes all of the info here to the next level but I still come back to this one for the ease of use, straightforward info. Excellent!

"A Beauty of a Bluebird Book!"
This is just one of the many popular bird books written by Donald & Lillian Stokes. The "Stokes Bluebird Book The Complete Guide To Attracting Bluebirds," in my opinion is one of the top Bluebird books now available. This page size glossy book, of 96 pages, has a as many color photos as it does pages.

The written material is both easy to read and understand. And will be as interesting, and as educating for the beginner as it will be to the expert. The photos not only are exceptionally beautiful, but help to visually explain what has been written.

The book is broken down into three sections. The Stokes write about the three types of Bluebirds. Then how you can attract the Bluebird by improving their habitat. And of course the best basic materials used with the Bluebirds in mind. Learn also about those birds who compete with the Bluebird, and also their predators. Then learn of the many areas of a Bluebird's behavior, like the how and the when of their breeding.

If you want an easy to read book with all the Bluebird basics, plus the beauty of large, clear, up close Bluebird and other photos. This is a book you will want to add to your library.

bluebirds
excellent compilation of techniques for successful bluebird watching,raisingand conservation

A Teacher Says It's The Best Bluebird Book She's Seen!
As a teacher, I was especially thrilled to share the collection of famous bluebird songs, poems and quotes in one of this book's chapters with my students. The photographs are outstanding. Most of all, this book is a wonderful comprehensive collection of bluebird information: from learning more about this gentle creature to building boxes and monitoring them. There is also a helpful Bluebird Nest Recording Chart for nest-monitoring enthusiasts. The authors not only share their knowledge but also their love for the "bird that carries the sky on his back." ... Read more

Book Description

The most comprehensive series of field guides to North American birds ever. This impressive collection highlights birds from all regions of the United States including localized areas such as the Mid-Atlantic, the Pacific Northwest and New England.

Whether birding in the foothills of New England, the prairies of the Midwest, or the beaches of Florida, Smithsonian Handbooks are the most comprehensive field guides to North American birds on the market. Looking for the Great Blue Heron or the Piping Plover while visiting the Great Lakes? Desperate to find the rare Long Billed Curlew or the Marbled Godwit during a hike in the Cascade Mountains? There's no need to look any further! Created in association with the Smithsonian Institution, these amazing guides are an absolute staple for any birder or amateur ornithologist. Each local species receives its own profile, along with descriptions of habitats and annotated photographs that highlight specific characteristics and other points of interest. Take bird watching to new heights! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

I'm buying my second copy now...
...to give as a gift, because I'm so pleased with it.

Unlike some of the other reviewers, who seem to have a great deal of expertise and several bird books at-hand, I'm just a casual observer of the visitors to my backyard feeder. This is the first bird book (ahem, field guide) for me, and I don't see that I'll need to seek other titles any time soon.

As with most Dorling-Kindersley publications, the photos are great (these show male, female, and juvenile examples), the layout is engaging, and the text is informative. One helpful feature for a novice like me: Next to a picture, there's often a notation of something like "often mistaken for.." so you can look up those other species to compare details.

I'm not really interested in an encyclopedia about each bird; I just wanted a handy reference, and this book serves that purpose admirably.

to add to the first review
I generally agree with the first review. A few additions

I find the single page approach generally more useful.
The illustrations are larger than many other guides, and often include smaller pictures or drawings of female, juvenile, seasonal plumage, similar birds.
I agree that some pictures are photoshopped to enhance field marks. Generally this works, but attempts to add shadowing are sometimes misleading. For example, the great egret, a completely white bird shown from below in flight, appears to be mostly blue-gray due to heavihanded shadowing of underside.

Another issue is that this is not really a Texas Guide except in the selection of birds to include, probably drawn from a larger database. Distribution maps are national. There is no indication of dates to observe in Texas, All large illustrations are male breeding plumage, even though many of the birds do not breed here and are seen only in winter plumage. One glaring ommission is the Savannah Sparrow, one of the most common winter sparrows in Texas. Appears as "similar bird" several times, but no page of its own.

It's New to Me, but I Like It...
The first field guide I ever owned was Roger Tory Peterson's A Field Guide to the Birds of Texas. I was thrilled to own it since I was able to identify the birds I saw around me with its help. On the other hand, I was confounded by the archaic design of the book. I will cite the chief example: The textual description of a bird was separate, sometimes by many pages, from the corresponding illustration. This stimulated me to begin my search for the perfect field guide.

My latest acquisition is this book. I will say right now I like it. I haven't stopped using my Sibley Guide, but I was slow to stop using my National Geographic Birds of North America when I first got my Sibley.

Let me tell you why I like the Birds of Texas: The descriptions of the individual bird species. Oh, it has the usual introductory material and end matter, but none of that is really important to me in a field guide. It's all about the bird descriptions!

Each species has its own page with a standardized layout. There is a header bar with the family, species, length and wingspan. There is also a footer bar with notes about plumage dimorphism, habitat (using symbols), migratory habits and weight.

I am particularly pleased with an innovation in Birds of Texas: In the top right-hand corner of each page there is a small silhouette of the bird superimposed on an outline of this book giving a very useful size reference. (A "scale silhouette" according to the introductory material.) Of course I don't need this at the extremes, for example a Whooping Crane or a Ruby-throated Hummingbird, but I do find it helpful for shorebirds and passerines.

In the main section there is a textual description that discusses the bird's appearance and habits. There are also specific "bullets" covering Song, Behavior, Breeding, Nesting, Population, Feeders (when appropriate) and Conservation.

There is also a photographic illustration that is masked so that the bird is presented with minimal distraction from any background. The photos are all very sharp, and important identifying characteristics are flagged with notes. I suspect that some features that are important to identification have been "digitally tweaked" to emphasize them. The pictures present the bird as you are most likely to see it: perched, flying and sometimes both. If the bird's appearance varies by sex or season additional photos or paintings are included.

I have to admit that I have a bias against photographic field guides (as opposed to painted field guides): I tend to think that birds must look exactly like a photograph while I can accept some variation from a painting. I know this is ... silly, but I'm not the only birder to have this bias. Having said this, I find that the masked presentation minimizes, but does not eliminate, my problem with this format.

There is a small section, discussing similar species. There are notes about the similarities and differences, and there are photos or paintings of these species.

Near the bottom of each species' page is another small section describing both graphically and in words the bird's flight pattern. I like this feature; I often rely on a bird's flight pattern to identity it.

Opposite the flight pattern section is a range map which uses a color scheme that is consistent with both the National Geographic and Sibley guides.

Just above the footer bar is the Nest Identification section which has symbols that show the size and typical location(s) of the species' nests. A short descriptive paragraph is also included. I really haven't found this useful (yet).

Below the footer bar there is a place to record your sighting of the particular species.

I have found quite a few things I like about Birds of Texas. They are:

•The size: it is smaller than the Sibley guide.

•The lack of backgrounds in the photos.

•The field marks pointed out in the illustrations.

•The scale silhouettes.

•The flight pattern section.

•The habitat symbols in the footer bar, although they are quite small and I haven't learned them all yet.

On the other hand I have a few complaints. They are:

•The weight: it weighs almost as much as the Sibley guide.

•No way to get to a bird quickly: I haven't said anything about this, but I sure would like a thumb index or a blind index or a quick index or.... I feel this way about every field guide I own. Fortunately I have found downloadable quick indices for the National Geographic and Sibley guides, and I have created one for The Birds of Texas.

•The size of some of the type and some of the symbols. I'm, ahem, middle-aged, and I need to use reading glasses to access some of the information. Of course, there's no way that the information could be enlarged without completely destroying the format of the book. Never mind!

As I said earlier, I like this book. I do not think you would be disappointed owning it. I don't know right now if I'll replace Sibley in my birding bag with The Birds of Texas, but I keep it there now when I'm birding in my home state.

Not very pleased
I purchased the Birds of Texas book, mainly because it had a fairly high rating when I was searching for a good Guide for Texas. The book uses real pictures of birds, as opposed to detailed drawings such as National Geographic's N. America birds and Sibley's Guide to Birds. The pictures and colors are absolutely horrible, and it is difficult to use when identifying birds in the field. Also, only having one bird on the page makes it difficult in identification, especially when trying to figure out what sparrow you've just seen. The maps, songs, and text descriptions of the birds are very good though, and it is nice having a place to note your date, time and location of seeing a particular species. If you're planning a trip to Texas, use the National Geographic guide. It, unlike the Smithsonian, gives multiple angles, and dead on visual descriptions. Also, although better used as a reference, and quite hefty to lug around, Sibley's is an excellent guide to have handy. ... Read more