Bird books come in many different forms, from field guides to encyclopedias to scientific references. But regardless of the specific type of book, most bird books tend to follow similar organizational structures in order to make it easy for readers to find the information they need.
Taxonomy
The most fundamental way bird books are organized is by taxonomy – the science of classifying living organisms. Birds are part of the kingdom Animalia, the phylum Chordata, the class Aves, and then they are divided into orders, families, genera, and species. Most bird field guides and encyclopedias will start with broader taxonomic groups like orders and families before getting into individual species.
For example, a typical field guide would start with groups like waterfowl, raptors, gallinaceous birds, pigeons and doves, etc. before delving into specific species. This allows readers to narrow down their search more easily by starting with a bird’s basic taxonomic classification.
Geographic Range
After taxonomy, the next major organizing principle for bird books is geographic range. Field guides in particular are usually structured to help readers identify birds based on location. There are guides dedicated to specific countries or regions like North America, Europe, or Southern Africa. Even within a region, the book may be divided into subregions – a North American guide may be split into sections like the West Coast, the Rocky Mountains, the Midwest, the Northeast, etc.
Dividing field guides by geography helps readers zero in on species they may encounter in a specific area. It would be cumbersome to flip through a guide listing all 10,000 bird species when you’re only likely to see a few hundred in your city. Geographic organization narrows down the options.
Habitats
Within geographic sections, field guides often further divide birds according to the habitat types they occupy. For example, a guide may have separate sections for birds of prey, waterbirds, forest birds, grassland birds, etc. Some guides get very specialized with categories like “nightjars”, “swifts”, “woodpeckers”. This helps readers narrow down identification based on where they saw an unknown bird.
If you saw the mystery bird perched on a power line in an open field, you can skip the forest bird section and flip straight to grassland species for likely candidates. Habitat organization complements geography by narrowing the possibilities even further.
Seasonality and Migration
Bird distribution also varies by season, especially for migratory species. So field guides often indicate the usual migration windows and breeding/nonbreeding ranges for each species. Symbols like wintering, breeding, year-round resident, summer visitor, and passage migrant help readers judge the likelihood of encountering a given bird at a given time of year.
For example, if you see a warbler-like bird in December, you can focus on species described as wintering in your area rather than those just passing through on migration. Seasonal status allows readers to rule out species that should not be present at a particular time.
Coloration and Markings
In addition to distribution, bird guides rely heavily on illustrations and descriptive text detailing colors and markings. Guidebooks almost always include drawings or paintings of each species, frequently the male and female separately. Written descriptions will note diagnostic features like wingbars, eye rings, crown markings, tail shape, bill size and color, and other physical attributes.
This visual information equips readers to match an unknown bird to species portraits and descriptions. Illustrations also show important variations by age, morph, and season to further aid identification. Even young birders can simply “flip and compare” to identify unfamiliar birds.
Species Accounts
After the visual guides, most bird books provide detailed species accounts for each individual bird. These accounts give in-depth information on identification, distribution, migration timing, breeding habits, diet, conservation status, and taxonomy. Accounts may also include fun facts, recorded statistics like average weight and wingspan, and tips for attracting the species.
Field guides have abbreviated accounts, focusing only on details relevant for identification. Reference volumes like handbooks and encyclopedias offer more comprehensive information for learning beyond just ID. Species accounts are arranged following the book’s taxonomic structure.
Indexes
Finally, most bird books have an index to help readers quickly locate species. The index lists every bird included in the guide alphabetically by common name. Each entry provides the page number(s) for the corresponding species account and illustrations. Some indexes may also list scientific names.
Indexes are invaluable finding aids. If you know the name of a bird but don’t know where to start in the book, the index will point you right to the relevant page. Some field guides also have separate regional and taxonomic indexes further assisting readers.
Types of Bird Books
While most bird books follow the general organizational framework described above, specific types of books have their own unique structures tailored to their intended use. Here are some of the most popular kinds of bird books and how they are set up:
Field Guides
Field guides are designed for easy use outdoors while observing live birds. They have concise accounts emphasizing identification details. Illustrations and range maps let readers visually match birds in the field. Durability and portability are key – they often have waterproof covers and condensed formats to fit in pockets.
Backyard Guides
Backyard bird guides cater to casual birders observing species around their homes. They focus on common feeder and garden birds likely to visit suburban yards. Photos and information help attract and identify visitors. Charts summarize details like food preferences and nesting seasons for each species.
Regional Handbooks
Handbooks offer more extensive content on the birds of a particular region, like the east or west coast. Identification remains a key element, but details on distribution, behavior, breeding, and migration patterns also figure prominently. Photographs supplement illustrations.
Photographic Guides
Photo guides are self-explanatory – they primarily utilize high-quality photographs rather than drawings. Hundreds of crisp images capture birds in a range of postures and settings. Short descriptions accompany each photo. Especially useful for visual learners.
Checklists
Checklists are simplified lists of birds for a particular location. They contain little more than common and scientific names plus residency status. Their chief purpose is keeping track of species observed. Regional clubs often publish checklists.
Encyclopedias
Encyclopedic handbooks offer the most thorough information on avian biology, based on academic research. Species accounts are highly detailed and technical. Topics like avian anatomy, physiology, and taxonomy are also covered extensively. Abundant photographs and diagrams.
Bird-finding Guides
Bird-finding guides list the top birding locations across different regions. Site descriptions include species highlights, optimal seasons and viewing spots, driving directions, and access details. Maps show parking areas, trails, and other navigational aids.
Electronic Bird Guides
Increasingly, birders are using digital ebooks and phone apps rather than print volumes. These electronic guides offer many advantages for field use. Important features include:
- Interactive range maps and keyword search to swiftly locate species
- Audio recordings of songs and calls for easy confirmation
- Photos and videos that capture motion and behaviors
- Quizzes and games to sharpen identification skills
- Note-taking and list capabilities to track sightings
- Constant content updates and connectivity to report rarities
- Compact size – most apps take up minimal storage space
However, many birders still prefer physical books when battery life is uncertain. Printed guides also offer larger illustrations, easier annotation, and fast flip browsing. Digital and paper formats both have advantages and trade-offs.
Important Elements
Whether paperback or app, all bird guides share certain key elements that make them useful for field identification:
Portability
Being lightweight and compact allows bird books to be easily carried along on hikes, tours, and trips. Bulky volumes quickly become burdensome.
Durability
Field guides in particular must withstand rugged outdoor use. Water resistance, tear-proof pages, and sturdy stitching help them last season after season.
Organization
Following a predictable structure based on taxonomy, geography, and habitat makes it simple to locate any species, whether familiar or unknown.
Illustrations
Paintings, photographs, and diagrams give readers the visual points of comparison necessary for identification.
Descriptions
Written details supplement graphics by describing key field marks, behaviors, vocalizations, distributions, movements, and other pertinent ID factors.
Indexes
Cross-referenced lists of common and scientific names speed searches for specific species accounts.
Using Bird Books Effectively
To get the most out of your bird guide, keep the following tips in mind:
- Study the organization and structure before using it in the field
- Bring binoculars to view key field marks up close
- Take notes and compare to illustrations in real time
- Pay attention to geographic range and seasonal status
- Enter rare or puzzling birds in the index first
- Note page numbers of species you want to read up on later
- Carry a small notebook to log sightings
- Have a system to protect books from rain and spills
- Mark favorite pages with sticky tabs for quick access
Conclusion
Bird guide organization generally follows principles of taxonomy, geographic distribution, habitats occupied, markings and physical features, and seasonal occurrences. Field guides cater to on-the-go identification with condensed information and durable construction. Reference volumes provide more extensive details for learning and study. Both printed and digital formats have advantages for carrying into the field. Following the book’s structure, bringing optics, taking notes, and protecting pages from weather are key tips for effective use. Bird books distill vast ornithological knowledge into formats practical for easy reference anywhere birds are found.