Identifying birds can be a rewarding but sometimes challenging experience. With so many species inhabiting North America, distinguishing one from another can feel daunting. A reliable resource is essential, and that’s where A Field Guide To North American Birds becomes invaluable. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just beginning to explore the avian world, this guide will help you navigate the identification process.
Printed Field Guides: Books
The “best” bird identification book is subjective, with a variety of excellent options available. Finding the right one is a matter of personal preference. Start by browsing different field guides at a library or bookstore. Focus on familiar birds; does the guide accurately portray them as you see them? Is the book easy to use and are the birds easy to find?
It’s generally recommended to select a field guide with illustrations rather than photographs. Artists tend to portray birds in consistent poses, highlighting key field marks. Photographs, while visually appealing, can be affected by lighting and posture variations, obscuring important details or emphasizing irrelevant ones.
Size is also crucial. A book that’s too large might be left at home, while one that’s too small might lack comprehensive coverage. Start with a guide covering all of North America, or at least the eastern or western regions. State or regional guides can be convenient for common birds, but a comprehensive guide is essential for those unexpected sightings.
Here are some recommended printed guides:
All About Birds Regional Field-Guide Series
These pocket-sized guides offer information and photos from the All About Birds website, covering roughly 200 species in each of seven North American regions: Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Northwest, Southwest, California, and Texas & Oklahoma. Each species profile includes four ID photos (male, female, breeding, nonbreeding plumages), updated range maps, and a visual index for quick navigation. The introductory section offers guidance for new birdwatchers and tips for attracting birds to your yard, enhancing your overall birding experience.
Folding Guides
Folding guides condense bird identification into regional areas, using illustrations and minimal text on a laminated, foldable sheet. While the number of species covered is limited, these guides are durable, portable, and ideal for quick reference in the field.
Digital Guides
The digital age has brought about a new era of bird identification resources. Online guides and mobile apps offer convenient and comprehensive information at your fingertips.
Our All About Birds online bird guide offers in-depth information on over 630 bird species from the U.S. and Canada, with photos, sounds, and videos. You can browse birds by family and shape. Each account compares the featured bird to similar species, aiding in identification when species look alike.
For exhaustive scientific information on all 10,900+ bird species worldwide, consider a subscription to Birds of the World. This resource offers unparalleled detail and is worth the investment for serious birders.
Apps
Mobile apps are fantastic resources for bird identification, offering portability and a wealth of information. Many apps include bird songs and calls, in addition to photos and illustrations.
Many birders find it helpful to keep a comprehensive bird book at home and use a bird identification app while birding. Some popular apps include:
- Merlin Bird ID: Developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, this free app identifies birds from photos, sounds, or a series of simple questions.
- iBird Pro: A comprehensive and advanced app with detailed information, range maps, and sonograms.
- Audubon Bird Guide: A free app from the National Audubon Society with field guide information, range maps, and bird songs and calls.
Choosing the Right Field Guide
Ultimately, the best field guide to North American birds is the one that you find most useful and enjoyable. Consider your personal preferences, birding habits, and budget when making your selection. Whether you prefer a traditional book, a digital guide, or a combination of both, a reliable field guide is an essential tool for any birder.
