Choosing the right field guide is critical for properly identifying birds. With hundreds of bird guides on the market, it can be daunting finding the perfect one for your needs. To make the choice easier, here is an in-depth look at some of the best and most popular bird identification guides.
What is the most important factor when choosing a bird ID book?
The most important factor when selecting a bird identification guide is the geographic coverage. Field guides are regional by nature, focusing on the species found in a particular area. If you try to use a book intended for the eastern United States while birding in California, you will likely feel quite frustrated. Choose a guide that covers the area where you do most of your birding.
Should I get a photographic or illustrated field guide?
This comes down to personal preference. Photographic guides feature actual photos of birds, while illustrated guides contain drawings or paintings.
Some benefits of photographic guides:
– Photos show finer details like feather patterns.
– Provides a chance to see variations in plumages.
– Shows the bird’s natural postures and behaviors.
Benefits of illustrated guides:
– Artist renditions are easier for beginners to digest.
– Drawings can better accentuate key identification markers.
– Easier to compare similar species on the same plate.
– Not reliant on capturing the perfect photo.
There is no right or wrong choice. Try both types to see which style you prefer. Many guides incorporate both actual photographs and artwork.
Do I need a regional or comprehensive guide?
Regional guides focus on a particular state, province, or defined geographic area. Comprehensive books cover a broader area like all of North America.
Regional guides have these advantages:
– Focus only on species you’ll encounter in your location.
– Provide more information like best birding spots.
– Often have more photos and species accounts.
The benefits of comprehensive guides are:
– Portability – Can use for travel anywhere in their coverage area.
– May include vagrants or rare visitors.
– Get the full picture of migration routes.
For dedicated birders who take frequent trips, a comprehensive guide is probably the best choice. Casual birders or those who don’t travel often would likely prefer a regional guide.
What extra features should I look for in a field guide?
In addition to the core content, the best bird books contain other useful information to aid identification. Here are some key extras to look for:
– Introductory sections explaining how to use the book, bird anatomy, tips on observation, etc. Very handy for beginners.
– Range maps – Show where species are found and their migration patterns. Useful for narrowing down the possibilities.
– Quick indexes – Having thumb tabs, visual indexes, or easily searchable content makes finding details on a species fast and frustration-free.
– Organized taxonomy – Species grouped into related families and orders. Helps compare similar birds.
– Plumage descriptions – Details the variations in color and feather patterns between ages, genders, seasons. Crucial for proper ID.
– Vocalizations – Descriptions of songs and calls. Audio companions take this to the next level. Being able to identify a bird’s sounds is a major asset for spotting them.
What are the top bird field guides by region?
Now let’s take a look at some of the top-rated bird identification guides broken down by geographic region:
United States
National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America
– Covers more than 750 species in the continental U.S. and Canada
– Photos and illustrations for each bird.
– Digitally rendered maps and expanded plumage sections.
Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America
– Features 700 species you’d encounter east of the Rockies.
– Paintings show wing details critical for identification.
– Scope affects make birds easy to compare.
– Portable and comprehensive but still provides many plumage variations.
Kaufman Field Guide to Birds of North America
– Covers over 750 birds in the U.S. and Canada.
– Groups species together for easier side-by-side comparison.
– Descriptions highlight habitat and behavior.
– Note section for user’s own observations.
Europe
Collins Bird Guide
– Depicts over 850 species found in Europe.
– Life-size drawings illustrate key identification features.
– Organized for easy side-by-side comparison of similar species.
– Covers all plumages and morphs in detail.
– Accompanying text describes habitat, range, and behaviors.
Birds of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East
– Covers 2,000 species in the Western Palearctic region.
– Succinct text sections.
– Reporter’s notebook feature summarizes most important ID criteria.
– Useful for both field use and advanced study.
The BTO Guide to Rare British Birds
– Details over 200 vagrant and rare birds recorded in Britain and Ireland.
– Excellent coverage of rarities and identification pitfalls.
– Covers patterns of occurrence and past records.
Australia & Oceania
The Australian Bird Guide
– Depicts 950 species found down under.
– Geographic spreads allow for comparing species by region.
– Emphasizes unique Australasian bird families.
– Excellent visual quick-find index.
Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand
– Shows 400+ species found in New Zealand.
– Full page illustrations with color coding for quick reference.
– Habitat and distribution information provided.
– Features measurements and key identification pointers.
Birds of Hawaii
– Covers over 125 species present in the Hawaiian Islands.
– Illustrations carefully arranged for easy side-by-side comparisons.
– Color-coded tabs for quick lookups.
– Descriptions of songs, ecology, and behavior.
How should cost factor into my choice?
Bird guides range from about $10 into the $40-$50+ range. More comprehensive books and those with lots of color photography will fall at the higher end. Here are some things to consider regarding price:
– Buying a cheaper outdated edition could lead to frustrations trying to ID birds. It’s better to get a current version.
-splurge for a guide you think you’ll use frequently. It’s a small investment for a go-to reference book.
– If on a tight budget, look for used copies to save some money. Condition is often still good.
– Consider e-books on phones/tablets to save weight and pack space when traveling. Downloading regional guides as needed is convenient.
– Start with a bargain guide and upgrade later once you determine your needs and how much you’ll use it.
Spending a bit more for a top-notch guide with lots of illustrations, maps, audio, and other features is recommended for avid birders. Casual observers can likely get by with a more budget-friendly option. Buy the best book you can afford that fits your skill level and needs.
Conclusion
Selecting the right field guide is key to successful bird identification. Consider where and how often you will bird watch when choosing between regional and comprehensive coverage. Photography or artwork comes down to personal preference. Look for books with extras like range maps, indexes, plumage descriptions and sounds to make IDing easier. Ask fellow birders in your area for their recommendations too. With so many outstanding guides available today, there are excellent choices for every region and budget. Investing in a top-notch reference is the first step toward improving your birding skills and enjoyment of nature’s feathered wonders.
