The Birds of Pennsylvania (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Daniel W. Brauning (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Here for the first time since 1964 is an excellent, comprehensive monograph on the birds of Pennsylvania by two of that state's top ornithologists. For each of 429 species there is a detailed summation of its status, distribution, and abundance through the seasons. There are sections on general and seasonal status, breeding, and history and a complete and very useful list of references. The high-quality photographs are of rarer species. Maps show the breeding distribution of commoner birds based on annual surveys of 122 routes from 1985 to 1994. Too bad similar use was not made of Christmas bird counts to show the winter situation, although this is well described in the text. Short introductory sections detail Pennsylvania's physiography and explain the book's sensible, very effective layout. A first-rate compilation with good analysis and interpretation valuable for eastern libraries beyond the Pennsylvania region; highly recommended.
-Henry T. Armistead, Free Lib. of Philadelphia
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

From Eared Grebes, Tundra Swans, and Peregrine Falcons to Lesser Yellowlegs, and Snowy Owls, Pennsylvania is home to a magnificent array of birds. In the first comprehensive summary and analysis in over a century of the birds of that state, Gerald M. McWilliams and Daniel W. Brauning provide a wealth of information for both the professional ornithologist and the amateur birder.

This book treats all 428 species seen in the state, including breeding and wintering birds, migrants, and vagrants. Each entry provides the general status of a species; the locations where it is most commonly found; its natural habitat, migratory patterns, breeding habits, and seasonal status and distribution; and a summary of the bird's history in Pennsylvania. With clear descriptions of physiographic regions as well as 44 breeding distribution maps for the most commonly seen birds and 67 photographs of many rare and hard-to-find species, this volume is an indispensable resource about Pennsylvania's bird life.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 479 pages
• Publisher: Cornell University Press (January 6, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801436435
• ISBN-13: 978-0801436437
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,225,265 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Birds of Pennsylvania, December 15, 2000

By	"birders2" (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews

The Birds of Pennsylvania by Gerald M. McWilliams and Daniel W. Brauning is a special interest book, being a state distribution book, but is one that you should consider adding to your library. For those who like to read distribution books in general and those birders living in the mid-Atlantic states in particular, THIS IS A MUST HAVE. I fall in the former group and must say that of all of the distribution books that I have this is the easiest reading because of the writing style. It is also the most informative from a general perspective: For each family there is a basic information opening ala David Sibley's Guide to Birds. Then for each species there is a general status that discusses the species distribution over its entire ranage. Next is a description of the habitat in which the species is found. Then comes the information that concerns Pennsylvania in particular -- Seasonal Status and distribution. Next is a history of the bird in PA. Last is a comment section that gives id problems, endangered status, nest box requirements and placement to attract Bluebirds, etc. Finally are footnotes.

Facts that I have picked up from jumping around in this book are: How cormorants differ from other birds -- they have their four toes connected by webs and THE ADULTS HAVE NO EXTERNAL NOSTRILS and breath through their mouths, p40. Why Waxwings are called Waxwings, p345.

So give this book a look. I do not think you will be disappointed if you are into distribution books. And if not, this book just might get you into them! As to how it measures up to being a desirable distribution and status book for Pennsylvania birders, I will defer to Kenn Kaufman from his forward: "Now there is an outstanding book to fill that need."

Kenn closes with his forward with "I congratulate McWilliams and Brauning on an impressive achievement and heartily recommend this volume to anyone who cares about birds." So do I.

This review has been also posted on Birdchat, a birders listserver.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent technical book, January 11, 2007

By	L. Holton (Knoxville, TN) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I purchased this book for a gift but thought it was too technical for the recipient. It is a wonderful book for a serious birder, but perhaps too detailed for someone looking ofr color photos and short descriptions.