Bird watching is a popular hobby that allows people to connect with nature and witness the incredible diversity of avian species. With nearly 10,000 different types of birds in the world, it can be challenging for beginners to identify the birds they see during backyard birding or hiking trips. Using a reputable field guide is the best way for novice birders to accurately identify species. But with so many bird identification books on the market, how do you know which one is right for you?
What Makes a Good Bird Identification Book?
The ideal birding book has several key features that make it user-friendly for beginners while still providing comprehensive information for more experienced birders. Here are some of the top characteristics to look for in a bird ID guide:
- Photos and Illustrations – Clear, high-quality artwork is essential for comparison to birds in the field. Both photographs and drawings can be very helpful for identification. Books with only one or the other will have limitations.
- Range Maps – Accurate maps that show summer, winter, year-round, and migration ranges help you determine which species to expect in your area.
- Organization – Species accounts should be easy to locate in the book. Organization by taxonomic order or color groups is preferable to alphabetical order.
- Description – Descriptive text highlights key field marks, behaviors, habitat preferences, and other useful ID tips for each species.
- Comparison Species – Pointing out similar species makes it easier to differentiate between look-alike birds.
- Quick Index – User-friendly tabs allow you to quickly look up unfamiliar birds in the field. Photos or illustrations in the index are a bonus.
- Compact Size – Portability is important for taking the book into the field, so pocket-sized and lightweight guides are ideal.
Of course, factors like your location and skill level will also determine which field guide is best suited to your needs. Keep these criteria in mind as we take a look at some of the top-rated bird ID books on the market.
Top Bird Identification Books
National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America
For beginning birders in North America, the National Geographic field guide is one of the top recommendations from experts. It provides an excellent balance of usability, informative details, and illustrated accuracy. Some key features include:
- 2,000+ species accounts with useful identification tips
- Over 3,500 full-color photographs showing birds in multiple angles/poses
- Taxonomic and visual quick indexes for fast lookups in the field
- Range maps created with information from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Grouping by visual color categories for user-friendly browsing
- Slim 5.5 x 8.5 inch size that fits easily in a backpack or large pocket
This comprehensive guide covers nearly every species you’ll encounter across North America. The photographs are exceptionally crisp and often show birds at different life stages (adult and juvenile) or morphs (male and female or seasonal variations). The descriptive text gives details on behavior, voice, habitat, and identification pitfalls. Novices will appreciate how the color grouping and quick indexes make this guide easy to navigate while still providing the detail needed to positively identify species. Overall, the National Geographic field guide is one of the best values for beginner and intermediate birders.
Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America
Renowned birder and illustrator David Sibley provides exquisite artwork and in-depth details in his series of regional bird guides. For those focused on the eastern half of North America, his 396-page Eastern guide is considered the gold standard. Reasons it ranks among the best bird ID books include:
- 700 North American species accounts, with emphasis on eastern birds
- Over 7,000 paintings highlighting identifying marks and behaviors
- Practice comparing similar species accounts help train the eye
- Comprehensive species information and migration maps
- Portable 4.5 x 7.5 inch book designed for field use
- Durable binding that enables book to lay flat when open
The lifelike paintings accurately depict key identification points like beak shape, feather patterns, body proportions, and motion profiles in flight. Many species are illustrated side-by-side for simple visual comparisons. While very detailed, the small format makes this guide easy to carry. The Sibley guide has set the bar for illustrative accuracy paired with in-depth reference information. It remains one of the best tools for intermediate to advanced birders in eastern North America.
Kaufman Field Guide to Birds of North America
For beginners who prefer illustrated guides, the Kaufman Field Guide delivers stunning paintings without overwhelming details. Some advantages include:
- Over 2,750 images painted by renowned birder Kenn Kaufman
- Concise but informative text descriptions for fast ID tips
- Taxonomic organization with helpful visual groupings
- Emphasis on unique bird topography and plumage traits
- Convenient flexicover design that fits easily in pockets
- Intuitive layout and multi-colored tabs for field use
This portable book makes it straightforward for novices to study the key markings, shapes, and colors that distinguish each species. The painted depictions are accurate but simpler than Sibley’s intricate style. The flexibinding allows the book to lay flat. While it does not have as many advanced identification details as the Sibley guide, the Kaufman field guide is one of the top choices for beginning birders due to its combination of visual accessibility and portability.
Other Notable Bird ID Books
While the previous guides are some of the most highly recommended, there are many other excellent field guides that may better suit your needs depending on skill level, region, or budget. Here are a few other popular options to consider:
Peterson Field Guide to Birds
Peterson field guides are time-tested classics. Pros of this edition include:
- Authoritative guide originally created by renowned birder Roger Tory Peterson
- 2,000 species accounts with useful comparison captions
- Clear visual organization and index for quick bird lookups
- Portable 5×8 inch book with visual tabs
- Ideal for beginning to intermediate birders
The Stokes Field Guide to the Birds of North America
The Stokes photographic guide offers these beneficial features:
- 896 North American species accounts
- More than 3,400 high-resolution photographs
- Digiscoping techniques capture birds at large magnifications
- Detailed species information and ID tips
- Useful for intermediate to advanced birders
The Sibley Guide to Birds, 2nd Edition
This is Sibley’s comprehensive guide to all North American species. Benefits include:
- Over 7,100 detailed paintings of over 1,000 species
- Both common birds and rare species covered
- Advanced ID details for experienced birders
- Large 11 x 8.5 inch format but heavy for carrying
- Ideal reference guide for advanced birders
Factors for Choosing a Bird ID Book
With so many excellent field guides on the market, choose the one that best fits your needs and preferences as a birder. Here are some key considerations when selecting a bird identification book:
- Location – Regional bird guides will provide more relevant species accounts and migration maps for your area. National guides work better for travel.
- Skill level – Beginners need clear visuals and basic ID guidance, while experts require comprehensive biological data for advanced ID.
- Illustrations vs photos – Both have pros and cons. Illustrations emphasize key field marks, while photos show colors and proportions.
- Portability – For carrying into the field, compact guides under 6 x 9 inches with flexible covers work best.
- Organization – Groups and indexes should allow for quick ID lookups. Taxonomic, color groups, or visual categories are most user-friendly.
- Price – Costs range from $10 – $50. More expensive books generally have better binding, more advanced features, or photographic pages.
Also, consider supplementary materials like audio bird ID recordings, birdwatching apps, and laminated quick-reference guides that can enhance your field guide. Upgrading field guides is also worthwhile as your skills progress or if you travel to new regions.
Using Your Guide for Proper Bird Identification
An excellent bird identification book is useless unless you learn how to properly use it. Here are some tips for correctly identifying birds with your field guide:
- Study species before field trips – Review species accounts and field marks at home to know what to look for.
- Bring binoculars – Get clear magnified views of key identification points.
- Compare similar species – Read how to differentiate easily mixed-up birds.
- Note key details – Size, bill shape, field marks, behavior, habitat, and sounds.
- sketch – Drawing can help cement visual identification points.
- Consider range and season – Use maps and date ranges to narrow possibilities.
- Align multiple field marks – Identify based on 2-3 congruent markers, not just one.
With practice using your field guide, you will become adept at accurately identifying the birds around you and get more enjoyment from your birdwatching adventures.
Conclusion
Investing in a reputable field guide is the best way for both novice and experienced birders to identify birds accurately. The National Geographic, Sibley, and Kaufman guides are among the top-rated books, but factors like your location, experience level, and budget will determine the optimal choice. Whichever guide you select, be sure to study your book in advance and bring it along on birding outings to consult for identifying field marks, behaviors, sounds, range, and seasonality. With the right field guide and techniques, you’ll be able to positively identify the birds you observe during your backyard and travel adventures.
