National Geographic Complete Birds of North America
by Jonathan Alderfer
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Book Summary Information
Author: Jonathan AlderferBrand: National Geographic
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2005-11-15
ISBN: 0792241754
Number of pages: 640
Publisher: National Geographic
Book Reviews of National Geographic Complete Birds of North America
Book Review: Must-have Geo Companion Book of Birds
Summary: 5 Stars
This new book published by National Geographic, "Complete Birds of North America: Companion to the National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America," edited by Jonathan Alderfer, is a must-have book for bird watchers-yes, even backyard birders.
The National Geographic's "Field Guide to the Birds of North America" has long been a field guide of choice-it's all about the text, rather than the illustrations in this guide.
The "Geo" guide offers fine artwork, as do many other field guides, but the clincher to making a positive identification is found in the textual descriptions of the birds in the "Geo" more frequently than in any other guide. And it's the text in the new companion that makes this book so special, and worth every penny of the $35 price.
Each of the 82 bird families, 962 species, found on the continent north of Mexico, plus islands within 200 miles of the coast with the exception of Greenland, opens with a photograph of a bird representing the family and a general essay about the family. Topics covered include the family's general behavior and distribution, among other details.
For instance, under "taxonomy" for skuas, gulls, terns and skimmers, recent genetic work shows that "skuas and jaegers are found to be more closely related to the alcids than to the gulls." Such information adds a new dimension to birding, making us think anew about the birds we observe so casually.
The artwork of the individual species displays seasonal plumages and different poses of the birds as they might be seen in the field. Within the individual biographical sketches, for instance, the white-breasted nuthatch, the basic information on identification, voice and habitat also has added comments on similar species for comparison purposes, and comments on its dispersal and migration.
Throughout the book, sidebars offer insightful details on topics such as aid to identifying female bluebirds or ways to distinguish between two similar birds in confusing fall plumage, Tennessee and orange-crowned warblers.
At this time of year, large flocks of common redpolls are beginning to arrive in this area, and sometimes a hairy redpoll is hanging out with its cousin, the common. It's no easy task to distinguish a hoary from a common. There is nothing more fun and challenging-and frustrating-than distinguishing two similar species.
With the "Geo" companion in hand, the flock of redpolls at the feeder can be studied and compared, and the sidebar referred to for the finer differences between the two, pointing the way to making a positive identification.
The new hefty tome, at 664 pages, has updated range maps for each species. In some accounts, the Arctic tern for example, an additional, larger "specialty" map shows its long-range migration routes. Having such a visual display, a bird's eye view as it were, on the same page as its range in North America brings a new appreciation for this tiny, 12-inch circumpolar migrant.
National Geographic's Complete Guide, with its 4,000 illustrations of common birds to rare migrants and detailed information on each species, easily acts as a soft step between a field guide and scientific studies for the enquiring birder. For the backyard birder, having such a comprehensive reference tool built into a single guide is the essential fuel needed to lead a birder into looking deeper into the lives of these feathered creatures.
Summary of National Geographic Complete Birds of North America
Essential, comprehensive, and easy to use, National Geographic Complete Book of Birds is an astonishing resource that covers every bird species in North America, as well as all the migrants that fly through. The entries are organized by family groups-an incredible 82 are included-according to the American Ornithological Union guidelines. Within a family, each separate bird entry has dozens of tips and illustrations on species' genders, age groups, behavior, habitats, nesting and feeding habits, and migration routes. Readers will also find unique features, such as:- A quick-find index for the most common bird groups and a full glossary
- Straightforward, accessible text by numerous birding experts, including National Geographic's resident birding consultant Jonathan Alderfer
- Hundreds of range and migration maps from renowned ornithologist Paul Lehman with National Geographic cartographers
- State-of-the-art, updated bird illustrations by expert artists, including Jonathan Alderfer
- New and original photographs from well-known bird photographers Kevin Karlson and Brian Small
Perfect for novice or experienced birders alike, National Geographic Complete Book of Birds is a definitive, must-have resource. Quite simply, there is no other volume like it.
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