Birds of North America

by Francois Vuilleumier (Editor)

Ideal for the armchair bird enthusiast or dedicated bird watcher, this book includes stunning full-color photographs, revealing each species with unrivaled clarity.

A lavish introduction describes bird characteristics and behavior, while stunning full-color photographs reveal individual species for easy identification.

The 550 most commonly seen birds are pictured in clear, close-up photographs, with images of similar birds provided to make differentiation easy, from game birds and waterfowl to shorebirds and swifts to owls, hummingbirds, finches, and more. Discover which species to expect when and where with up-to-date, color-coded maps highlighting habitation and migratory patterns.

The most commonly seen species are given a whole page in the species catalog, and each full-page profile includes images of plumage variations, subspecies, information on similar birds, and artwork of the bird in flight that reveal their outstretched wings.

Rare birds and vagrants who occasionally stray into North America are also described, making AMNH Birds of North America one of the most comprehensive guides on the market and essential for anyone interested in birding.

Genres: Reference, Nature, Nonfiction

752 pages, Hardcover

Published November 10, 2020

Reviews

[heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this is a book more likely to be used in my weightlifting regime than thrown in a day pack to use on the field, I really like this guide, especially as a novice birder still learning to more effectively identify similar species and birds by their flight and calls. It gives some info not listed in my smaller field guide and my phone app. I really like that it shows each bird all on one page so there is no flipping or scrolling to see photos that illustrate the distinctions between juveniles and adults as well as the birds shape and look in flight. It also gives imagery to each wing beat as well as explanations for similar species and how they differ. I also really like the chart giving details on lifespan, social movement, environmental status, etc. Similar to my smaller guide, it also gives brief explanation regarding voice, nesting, and feeding as well as maps and habitats. It's a great tool for browsing and further study...with the added benefit of helping me tone my biceps!

[Addie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This reference guide has all the birds, both eastern and western. That makes it super useful for me because in Utah we get migratory birds passing through the Salt Lake areas that aren't typically seen around here, especially in the spring. I love the full-size photos of the birds which makes identifying easier to see. But because the book is so big, it's heavy to lug around. The color-coded pages make turning to the species of birds very easy though. The accompanying app is fun, although I haven't had a chance to use it while I'm out yet. I will keep my smaller Western bird book (by the same author) in my birding bag for my quick referencing, but keep this larger book in the car with me! Both books have the same layout & usage, so it was instantly easy to use. This is definitely a keeper for our birding expeditions.

[Carol]

This large book feels definitive. The photographs are lovely. It was not what I was expecting though. (I’m going to claim “user error” and blame myself, rather than the book.) I wanted more of a field guide so I can start identifying some of the birds I see on my daily walks through the woods and down by the water. And this... is not that helpful for that purpose. It’s simply too big, too overwhelming. But it’s a beautiful book if you’re sitting at home and want to learn about birds.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the coolest book! It provides very detailed information and inspired with an app for calls.