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A good guide book for America birds (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Cassy
- Start date
The Sibley Guides are probably the most respected. A larger Sibley book is the Birds of North America, which has all of the birds of North America. There are two smaller regional field guides which are easier to carry around, the Sibley Field Guide for Birds of Eastern North America, and the Sibley field guide for Birds of Western North America.
These books have illustrations rather than pictures, but highlight field marks and various plumages. Sibleys are the birding bibles for most of the best birders I know.
These books have illustrations rather than pictures, but highlight field marks and various plumages. Sibleys are the birding bibles for most of the best birders I know.
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stonechat1
New member
Sorry Cassy, I doubt that you need another book. The NG Field Guide is sure not of bad quality. I use it regulary here in the forum to ID birds from your continent ;-)
It´s more that one have to learn what to look at when ID birds, IMHO.
But as backup there is also the big Sibley and the small Sibley for Eastern North America in my bookshelf.
It´s more that one have to learn what to look at when ID birds, IMHO.
But as backup there is also the big Sibley and the small Sibley for Eastern North America in my bookshelf.
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Steve Gross
Well-known member
I agree. The NG guide and the Sibley are considered the touchstones. No real need for any others, though there are several other solid options.
Good birding.
Good birding.
idaho john
Well-known member
and...
Hi Cassy:
I have both the National Geographic Guide and the Sibley's (the big guide that covers all of North America and provides good detail). I use them as references.
Since I live in the Western US, I use the small Sibley as my primary guide...and love it, but it does not provide as much detail. For me, it is just the right size to pack for a day of birding. When I see something I can't readily identify, I take notes and then review the small Sibley and then with all the other guides at home.
I also enjoy the Stokes Guide - great photographs and good information as well.
Have fun!
John
Hi Cassy:
I have both the National Geographic Guide and the Sibley's (the big guide that covers all of North America and provides good detail). I use them as references.
Since I live in the Western US, I use the small Sibley as my primary guide...and love it, but it does not provide as much detail. For me, it is just the right size to pack for a day of birding. When I see something I can't readily identify, I take notes and then review the small Sibley and then with all the other guides at home.
I also enjoy the Stokes Guide - great photographs and good information as well.
Have fun!
John
For field guides I agree with the above posters.
If you really want more detail than the field guides give, your best bet (for starters anyway) is the "National Geographic Complete Birds of North America". This has the same illustrations as the field guide, but a LOT more text on identification & aging, separation from similar species, geographic variation, status & distribution. However, in no way is this a field guide. It is a hefty book and definitely one to keep at home for reference.
http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/...al-geographic-complete-birds-of-north-america
But you can get it a lot cheaper on eBay.
If you really want more detail than the field guides give, your best bet (for starters anyway) is the "National Geographic Complete Birds of North America". This has the same illustrations as the field guide, but a LOT more text on identification & aging, separation from similar species, geographic variation, status & distribution. However, in no way is this a field guide. It is a hefty book and definitely one to keep at home for reference.
http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/...al-geographic-complete-birds-of-north-america
But you can get it a lot cheaper on eBay.
carjug
Well-known member
Dude,
Like, Man, they are field guides. Capiche? You want to know more, dig this; go to your local public library and find the bird section, then look at a book about one solo species.
Yeah, man, you can find whole books about just Owls fer instance. They make lousy pets, but this one chick kept an owl named Wesley for 18 years. It mated with her arm and was skeered of mice. I &^%$ you not! And Warblers? Peter-Son has one AWWWesome thick book on just warblers. True.
Now go. JUst GO
Ciao
Like, Man, they are field guides. Capiche? You want to know more, dig this; go to your local public library and find the bird section, then look at a book about one solo species.
Yeah, man, you can find whole books about just Owls fer instance. They make lousy pets, but this one chick kept an owl named Wesley for 18 years. It mated with her arm and was skeered of mice. I &^%$ you not! And Warblers? Peter-Son has one AWWWesome thick book on just warblers. True.
Now go. JUst GO
Ciao
