Smithsonian Handbooks: Birds of North America: Western Region (Smithsonian Handbooks)

Smithsonian Handbooks: Birds of North America: Western Region (Smithsonian Handbooks) by Fred J. Alsop III. flexibound edition. ISBN: 0635517071573.

Published in association with Americas preeminent authority, the Smithsonian Institution, this comprehensive handbook to the birds of North America: Western Region includes 696 species -- all birds known to breed east of the 100th meridian on the United States and Canada, as well as regular visitors and vagrants to this region. The Smithsonian Handbook is the first identification guide that includes details of the birds life history in a concise and user-friendly format. Each full-page profile combines a precise description, 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 birds habits describes the typical song and other vocalizations, behavior, breeding, nesting, population, and conservation concerns. Typical flight patterns and nest locations and shapes are described with clear icons, and amplified in the text. Each birds range during summer, winter, and on migration is clearly shown on a map.