National Audubon Society Master Guide to Birds

(Hardback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

From the most trusted name in birding-beloved by millions of backyard enthusiasts and experts alike-comes a completely new and definitive guide to the birds of North America- the most comprehensive, authoritative, and up-to-date work of its kind From the most trusted name in birding--beloved by millions of backyard enthusiasts and experts alike--comes a completely new and definitive guide to the birds of North America- the most comprehensive, authoritative, and up-to-date work of its kind Developed by the creators of the best-selling Audubon field guides, this handsome volume is the result of a collaboration among leading scientists, scholars, taxonomic and field experts, photo editors, and designers. An indispensable reference, it covers more than 800 species, with over 3,500 full-color photographs of birds in their natural habitat, often with four or five images of each species. For ease of use, the book includes a glossary, an index, and a ribbon marker, and is arranged according to the American Ornithological Society's latest Checklist of North and Middle American Birds--with birds sorted by taxonomic orders and grouped by family, so that related species are presented together. Range maps, reflecting the impact of climate change, accompany nearly every entry, along with a physical description and information on voice, nesting, habitat, and similar species. This guide also includes an important new category on conservation status and essays by leading scholars in each field who provide holistic insights into the world of birds. Whether trying to determine which owl is interrupting your dinner or successfully identifying all of the warblers that arrive in spring, readers will come to rely on this work of remarkable breadth, depth, and elegance. It is a must-have reference for the library of any birder, and is poised to become the number one guide in the field.

Reviews

A lot has changed in the world since 1980, when the National Audubon Society last updatedits bestselling field guide to the trees of North America. Even more so since 1995, when the organization last updated its field guide to the birds of North America. There couldnt be a better time to update them than now: as climate change fuels a biodiversity crisis, we need every reminder we can get of the breadth and beauty of the planets flora and flauna. Jonathan Hahn, Sierra

A book of high quality. It is attractive, well designed, user-friendly, well put together, durable. The cover, the paper, the printing and the color balance are as good as it gets (not a guarantee in publishing and printing). The binding seems strong and permanent, also not a given. I liked the color-coded margins for quick and easy reference. A minor thing maybe, but I love the ribbon page marker. Maybe its a throwback, but a nice touch for this old-fashioned reader . . . Despite an excellent text, the photographs are the heart and soul of Birds of North America. There are an amazing 3,500 high quality color photographs in these 907 pages. Clay Sutton, American Birding Association

If youve ever wondered what birds show up in your backyard or which species you see when your family is on vacation, then this beautiful, freshly updated bird guide from the National Audubon Society is perfect for you. Portland Book Review

Coffee table ready, a pleasure to browse in at will, and comprehensive enough to furnish a sense of real mastery. Keep [this] close at hand when reading nature writing for a richer, more stimulating exploration . . . Leave[s] the reader feeling more at home in the world Stefan Beck, Washington Examiner

Impressive and informative . . . User-friendly . . . The consummate desk reference to North American birds, with high-quality authentic representations of avian species. Nan Schiller, Gardeners Path

Striking, comprehensive . . . A thorough guide that might inspire readers to become advocates for birds and their conservation . . . A must-have for birders and nature lovers. Dave Pugl, Library Journal (starred review)

Impressive, scholarly . . . I see the new NAS/Knopf Trees of North America sitting alongside the old Knopf Sibley Guide to Trees, whether on the back seat or bookshelf, as an inseparable set to be used with each other again and again. Clay Sutton, American Birding Association

A very deep dive into the birding world. Rob Ripma, Birds & Blooms

Author Bio

Incorporated in 1905, the National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that uses education and advocacy to advance its mission to conserve and restore natural habitats of birds and wildlife in the United States and across the Americas. Audubon also produces bestselling descriptive field guides on a wide variety of nature-related topics.