Field Guide Overview
A field guide is a reference tool for identifying birds. It can be studied at home, carried into the field for
real-time support, or checked after birding to learn from the day's experiences. Field guides vary in the scope of
coverage. Some address all of the species found in a country or continent such as guides for North America or Europe.
Others focus on smaller areas like individual states or regions such as the Western U.S.
One key differentiator between guides is the type of images offered to support bird identification. Some guides use
photographs and others artist drawings. Individuals differ on which type of guide they prefer.
Regardless of what type of guide you choose, a field guide is essential for bird watching. It serves as your
primary tool for identifying birds in the field.
Popular Field Guides
- The Sibley Guide to Birds
One of the most popular guides of recent years. David Sibley created all of the art in this guide and
the bird drawings are spectacular. This guide is fairly large and may be best used as an at-home reference
rather than a guide to carry into the field.
- National Geographic Field Guide to Birds of North America, 4th Edition
Another very popular national field guide which is also based on drawings rather than photography. The art
in this guide was contributed by various artists, and some have complained that the art is inconsistent. However,
this guide is loved by many and is a great choice for most bird watchers.
- Birds of North America (Kaufman)
An interesting hybrid of the drawing and photography approaches to guide books. The famous author of this guide,
Kenn Kaufman, has digitally enhanced photographs to emphasize characteristics that will help you identify birds.
- Stokes Field Guide to Birds (Eastern and Western regions)
Stokes uses the pure photography approach to bird identification and many birders swear by his books.
Photographs for each species are combined with short text descriptions to assist in the identification process.
- The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern (or Western) North America
The famous Sibley art offered in a smaller package, covering the birds found in either the Eastern or Western
U.s. For birders that want to carry their Sibley into the field, these guides offer an attractive alternative
to the full North American version.
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