Birds of North America: Life Histories of More Than 930 Species

by Fred J. Alsop III

Published in association with America's preeminent authority, the Smithsonian Institution. This comprehensive reference to the birds of North America includes full-page profiles of more than 930 species -- all the birds known to breed in the United States or Canada, as well as regular visitors and vagrants to the continent. Smithsonian Birds of North America provides essential identification tips for each species together with fascinating information on feeding and behavior, breeding, and nesting habits. Identification. Full-page species profiles combine a precise description and annotated photographs to highlight the key field marks of the adult male. Other plumages are portrayed with photographs or artworks if they differ significantly. Species similar to the one profiled are shown with a brief summary of the key differences. An explanation of the typical flight pattern of each species includes both schematic artworks and a verbal description. Life histories. Knowledge of behavior can be critical to differentiate between similar species, and an understanding of life histories enhances the total birding experience. Each profile includes a description of the typical vocalizations, feeding behavior, breeding, nesting, population, and conservation concerns. A range map shows each bird's occurrence in North America during summer, winder, and on migration.

Genres: Nature, Nonfiction, Birds, Reference, Science, Animals

1024 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2001

About the author

Frederick Joseph Alsop, III Ph.D. is an ornithologist and a professor of biological sciences at East Tennessee State University. He received his doctorate in zoology from the University of Tennessee, and specializes in the ecology, distribution, life history, and taxonomy of birds. An avid field biologist and birder, he has identified more than 3,200 species of birds worldwide.

Reviews

[Gabriel]

This book is more about looks than substance, although certainly not lacking in the latter. Looks, as your friends will see it laying around and assume you must be serious, for why else have such a hefty book dedicated to feathers? Looks, as how can one complain with attractive individual pages dedicated to well over 900 species of birds! Yet there's usually only one picture of each bird, which isn't so helpful when attempting to ascertain whatever one has just seen flitting by in the backyard. Sometimes there are alternate pictures when the genders aren't similar, but oddly not often enough. The text is fairly useful, especially the descriptions of the physical nature of the birds, and which feeders they frequent; most helpful are descriptions of similar birds, ones you might be mistaking the current subject for. I enjoy the book most for flipping through the pages, reading the descriptions, and wishing that each would be kind enough to stopover my backyard. Yet this is dangerous, as soon one is planning trips or even moves to extreme south Texas or Northern Alaska, where the coolest birds seem to be! Ultimately, the book is fairly helpful for a novice, given its descriptions of birds that might look like what you've seen, although it would be better with more pictures of some of the common birds, and less pages dedicated to some accidental Eurasian speicies which have managed, it seems, to taken a wrong turn to our continent three times in recorded history. Yet still it's always on display when friends visit.

[David Ward]

Smithsonian Birds of North America by Fred J. Alsop III (DK Publishing 2006) (598.0+/-). This features full-page profiles of the natural history of each of the 930 species most commonly encountered in the U.S. Intended more as an introduction to the various species than as a field guide, this refernce has a place on every birder's bookshelf. My rating: 7/10, finished 2007.

[Clayton Reese]

Great compendium of North American birds, from grouse to swifts to ravens to owls, and everything in between or beyond. Even accidental migrants are included in the text. Highly recommended for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. I would go so far as to say it is the end-all, be-all book on wild birds for North America.

[SharlG]

I love this book for birding at my house. It is much to heavy to take out in the field. It is clear and concise. Pictures are great and descriptions, migration and habitat information are very detailed.

[Julie]

Wonderful book. Hard to use in the field - I take pictures and check later, but great on the deck!!!

[Jo]

Oh, what a book.