Birds of North America: Eastern Region

DK Smithsonian Handbooks

by Fred J. Alsop III

The most comprehensive identification guide to the birds of North America, Eastern Region.

Discover 706 species of birds known to breed east of the 100th meridian in the United States and Canada with this indispensable reference guide to birdwatching! 

Published in association with America’s preeminent authority, the Smithsonian Institution, this birdwatching book

   • Full-page profiles that combine precise descriptions, annotated photographs and artworks to highlight the key field marks of the species in each plumage
   • Similar species are shown and distinguishing characteristics are noted
   • Further information on the bird’s habits describes the typical song and other vocalizations, behavior, breeding, nesting, population and conservation concerns.
   • Typical flight patterns, nest locations, and shapes are described with clear icons and amplified in the text. Each bird’s range during summer, winter and migration is clearly shown on a map.

From the Eastern Bluebirds and American Kestrel to the Blue Jay and Carolina Wren, this bird identification book reveals each species’ characteristics and behavior in unprecedented detail. It also details each bird’s life history in a concise and user-friendly format.

The most commonly seen birds are shown in clear, full-color photographs along with images of similar bird species to make differentiation easy. You’ll also learn more about rare birds and vagrants that occasionally stray into this region.

Birds of North America - Eastern Region is the perfect bird field guide for both armchair bird enthusiasts and dedicated bird watchers in the United States and Canada.

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

752 pages, Paperback

First published April 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

[Elise Bender · Rating 5 out of 5]

My dad bought this book for my mom and me at Smithsonian Natural History Museum when he was at law professor camp in June. I love turning the glossy pages while my mom reads interesting facts out loud about the birds she spots in our neighborhood.

My mom is currently geeking out about birds (even more than our house cat Cairo). This spring we have added 5 bird feeders I can see from the windows where my playmat is set up and we use the Merlin app nearly every day!

This book is a handy reference tool that I find visually and tactilely appealing and gives my mom and I something fun and scientific to bond about.

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Properly called a "handbook" instead of a "field guide" because of its size. Pretty presentation and nice icons in the DK tradition, but given the space available with the full page devoted to each species, it would have been more useful with more smaller photos (different plumages, flying, etc.).

[Bekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent collection of the birds of North America. Gives a brief overview of details, habitat, and habits of each bird, accompanied by wonderful photos of each bird. A must have for every bird lover.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Use this book every day. My Bird Bible. No end date on this one.

[Jkilmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first bird field guide. Now well worn with a broken spine.

[Hapzydeco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Purchased this valued resource at a reasonable price at BJs. Photos and descriptions extremely helpful in identifying Easten Region birds.