The National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America
By Bruce Glick
February 28, 2012
346
The National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America
The new sixth edition of the National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America, published in 2011, is a winner. I have used each of the five previous editions but this one is definitely the most impressive. There are a number of differences that make this one stand out, and I'll be keeping it close at hand, along with several other fine field guides that have come out in recent years.
I like the tabs that let you quickly open the book to hawks, sandpipers, gulls, flycatchers, warblers, sparrows or finches. Open the fold-out front cover and there is a one-page quick find index, from albatross to yellowthroat. The inside cover has a two-page visual index with 65 birds in color. Inside the fold-out back cover are two more pages with the second half of the visual index – very nice, very helpful. The fold-out page on the back cover also has a detailed explanation of the range map symbols. This information is much more detailed than we are used to seeing in a field guide. I'm already finding this helpful in understanding the latest thinking on breeding ranges and migration routes. I'd still like to see the entire winter range for each species but this would take a lot more space than is available in this size guide.
The authors are Jon L. Dunn and Jonathan Alderfer, with the maps by Paul Lehman. Jonathan Alderfer is a fine artist and I have always been impressed with Jon Dunn and Paul Lehman, two of the most respected names in birding. Both are top-notch birders as well as dedicated educators.
This edition includes 990 species, 23 more than the fifth edition. The first edition in 1983 included just over 800 species. There have been a lot of changes in the field of ornithology over the last 25 years. There are also 3000 illustrations, including 300 new ones for this edition. The introduction is almost a mini-textbook, with sections on species selection, families, scientific names, sub-species, behavior, voice, and molt/plumage sequence. There are detailed drawings of five representative birds with all the parts and feathers identified. These are followed by several pages of information on range maps, abundance, measurements, and how to be a better birder.
There is much more information on sub-species than is found in other field guides. The range maps often indicate the range of the different sub-species, plus there are 40 additional detailed sub-species maps at the back of the book. Many birders are interested in learning about subspecies, some of which eventually may be elevated to full species status.
Also near the back of the book are short species accounts and illustrations of 88 species which are considered accidental. Almost all of these have fewer than three records in the last two decades or less than five records in the last 100 years. Four species have become extinct in the last 200 years.
The paintings have been done by five different artists. The illustrations, species accounts and range maps quickly give birders the basic information needed about each species. There aren't as many illustrations as you find in the Sibley guide, but this book is much smaller and can be carried in the field although at 575 pages it isn't a small book. Highly respected ornithologist, J.V. Remsen says that this is the guide that you want with your field gear.
Good birding!
Bruce Glick
birderbruce@yahoo.com
330-317-7798
