national geographic field guide to the birds of north america

Overview of the National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America

The National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America is a comprehensive reference for identifying birds in the United States and Canada. It’s a bestseller, updated frequently, with detailed illustrations and range maps for birders.

Key Features and Updates Across Editions

The guide features expanded species coverage, updated range maps reflecting new data, and thousands of full-color illustrations. Editions incorporate the latest American Ornithologists’ Union checklist, ensuring the most current classification of North American birds.

Number of species covered

The National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America is known for its comprehensive coverage. Earlier editions featured over 960 species, including a section on accidental birds. The sixth edition expanded to cover 990 species seen or expected in the United States, keeping up with additions to the American Birding Association (ABA) lists. Subsequent editions, like the seventh, continue to update the species count, reflecting the most current ornithological knowledge. This includes regular visitors and vagrant species, ensuring birders have access to information on a wide array of potential sightings, including new species and subspecies. The goal is to make it the best and the most detailed field guide in North America.

Illustrations and Artwork

The National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America is celebrated for its detailed illustrations. Each edition features full-color artwork by leading bird artists. The sixth edition included 4,000 full-color illustrations. The artwork highlights key physical features for easier identification. Many illustrations are annotated to point out key features. These hand-painted illustrations capture the typical behavior of each bird. The seventh edition includes even more illustrations. The guide uses a picture-plus-facts-plus-story approach, making it accessible to beginners. The artwork is a major strength, making this guide a must-have for birders. The new illustrations are very impressive and informative.

Range Maps and Migration Information

The National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America includes updated range maps based on the latest data. The sixth edition has new range maps, showing migration ranges and routes. Spring and fall migration routes are indicated separately. Subspecies ranges are included where relevant. Detailed subspecies maps are in a separate section. The maps show the typical ranges of rare visitors to North America. Migration information is overlaid on species maps. The guide provides extensive information on migration. The maps are excellent and detailed. The inclusion of subspecies ranges is appreciated. The range maps and migration information are valuable for birders of all levels.

Content and Organization

The guide contains over 960 species, classified according to the American Ornithologists Union checklist. It also has a visual index and thumb tabs to help find and identify any bird quickly and efficiently.

Visual Index and Thumb Tabs

The National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America utilizes a full-color visual index, conveniently located on the inside covers, to provide accessible content for both beginner and intermediate birders. This visual aid allows for quick navigation and identification based on appearance. Furthermore, the inclusion of handy thumb tabs throughout the guide enhances usability, enabling users to swiftly locate specific bird groups or sections. These features combine to make the guide user-friendly, facilitating efficient bird identification in the field by allowing birders to quickly find and reference the information they need.

Annotated Artwork for Identification

A key feature of the National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America is its richly annotated artwork. This artwork highlights the key physical characteristics of each bird species, making identification easier for birders of all levels. The annotations draw attention to specific field marks, such as wing patterns, bill shapes, and plumage details, which are crucial for distinguishing between similar species. By providing clear visual cues and descriptive labels, the guide empowers users to confidently identify birds in various habitats and settings. This meticulous attention to detail in the artwork enhances the guide’s overall effectiveness as an identification tool.

Authorship and Expertise

The National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America benefits from the expertise of Jon L. Dunn and Jonathan Alderfer, both renowned figures in the field of ornithology and bird identification.

Jon L. Dunn

Jon L. Dunn is a leading authority on North American bird identification and distribution. He has served as a consultant for Birding magazine. Dunn formerly chaired the American Birding Association’s Checklist Committee. His masterful field knowledge significantly contributes to the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the National Geographic Field Guide. Dunn’s expertise ensures the guide reflects the most up-to-date information. This allows birders of all levels to benefit from his deep understanding of avian species. He is well-respected within the birding community. His contributions enhance the guide’s value as an essential resource. Dunn’s insights are invaluable for accurate bird identification.

Jonathan Alderfer

Jonathan Alderfer is the chief consultant for National Geographic’s Birding Program. He is a widely published author and accomplished field guide illustrator. Alderfer is renowned as one of the nation’s foremost birding artists. His artistic ability and direction greatly enhance the National Geographic Field Guide. Alderfer’s expertise extends to field ornithology. He is an authority on North American birds. His richly annotated artwork significantly aids in bird identification. Alderfer’s illustrations capture key physical features, making the guide accessible to beginners. His contributions are invaluable in making the guide a top resource for birders of all levels. Alderfer’s work makes the guide user-friendly and informative.

Reception and Reviews

The National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America receives critical acclaim and positive customer feedback. Its comprehensive information, updated illustrations, and user-friendly design contribute to its popularity among birders.

Critical Acclaim

The National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America has earned widespread critical acclaim from experts and publications alike. Reviewers consistently praise its accuracy, comprehensiveness, and user-friendly design. Its detailed illustrations, updated range maps, and insightful text make it an invaluable resource for birders of all skill levels. Publications like Bird Watchers Digest and The Miami Herald have lauded the guide as the “must-have resource for birders.” Experts emphasize its role in making bird identification easier and more accessible. It is consistently recommended as the top choice among North American bird field guides, solidifying its reputation as a leading authority in the field.

Customer Feedback

Customer feedback for the National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America consistently highlights its exceptional qualities. Many users praise the high quality information, detailed illustrations, and accurate range maps. Birding enthusiasts appreciate the guide’s ease of use, making it accessible for beginners and advanced birders alike. Positive reviews frequently mention the enhanced birding knowledge gained from using the guide, with customers emphasizing its value as a reliable resource for identification. The visual appeal and logical organization receive commendation, with many noting the improved experience. Overall, customer feedback underscores the guide’s effectiveness and lasting appeal to birders.

Editions and Availability

Multiple editions of the National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America have been published. The guide is readily available for purchase online and in bookstores, catering to birding enthusiasts.

Previous Editions

The National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America has a rich history, with several editions preceding the current one. The first edition appeared in 1983. Each new version incorporates the most recent taxonomic updates, distribution data, and improved illustrations. Revisions address user feedback and strive to enhance the guide’s usability. Earlier editions have played a vital role in educating birders. The fifth edition was highly regarded. Updates to illustrations and maps mark later editions. These previous versions remain valuable resources. They show the evolution of ornithological knowledge.

Current Availability

The latest edition of the National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America is widely available through various channels. Birders can find it at major booksellers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, both online and in physical stores. It’s also stocked by specialty retailers catering to birding enthusiasts. Digital versions are offered for devices like iPhones, iPads, and other tablets. This accessibility ensures that birders of all levels can readily obtain the most up-to-date information for field identification. Check the National Geographic website for details.