A thousand-page A-to-Z guide to all things avian. Leahy clearly loves birds, and this affectionate yet scholarly work offers everything from terse definitions and simple descriptions to thoughtful and authoritative essays. . . . There is much here that will engage every level of birder. -- American Scientist
This is a reference book for the ages that transcends mere North American use. . . . The entries are informative, easily assimilated, and also written with spirit, humor, and charm as well as authority. -- Henry T. Armistead, Bird Watcher's Digest
How, I marveled, could one human being know so much about so many things, yet write about them so engagingly, without an ounce of pretension and with so much wit? . . . This is the sort of book that one can imagine reading page after page, like a novel, on a dark winter's day when there's no good reason to go outdoors. . . . It's equal parts erudition and plain fascination, laced with good humor. -- Michael Bowen, Audubon Naturalist News
Birders take note! The fully revised and updated ultimate guide to North American birds is out and ready to be devoured by ornithologists of every stripe--professional, amateur, or somewhere in between. . . . Chock full of bird lore and scientific authority, this book is a never-ending source of delight. -- Biology Digest
[A book] to nestle into a favorite chair with at the end of a good day's birding. It's a volume that can be picked up anytime and opened randomly for a bit of bird-lore. . . . Above all, it's a guide that will lead to a greater enjoyment and understanding of birds. -- Jerome A. Jackson, Birder's World
Like any good reference work,
The Birdwatcher's Companion to North American Birdlife is thorough and authoritative, its thousands of entries running the gamut from physiology and taxonomy to conservation and birder culture. But unlike most references, it is actually a delight to read; throughout, the writing is lively and engaging. Keep a copy on your desk by day, and curl up to another at bedtime. -- Ted Floyd, Editor, Birding
One of the best books ever written on birds and birding. This reference work is not only comprehensive and accurate, but also vastly entertaining. A virtuoso performance. -- Dr. Gerard A. Bertrand, BirdLife International
This is a wonderful book that I highly recommend. . . . I've had the original, encyclopedic book for years and couldn't do without it. -- Jim Williams, Minneapolis Star Tribune
Leahy's style is by turns serious and scholarly or personal and whimsical, appropriate to a comprehensive reference for both novice and expert birders. There is no recent comparable work. -- Choice
This A-Z reference guide provides a wealth of information, from the basics to little-known trivia. Authors are rare who can incorporate both technical and non-technical terminology into an encyclopedia that is readable--much less pleasurable to read--but Leahy has been successful on both accounts. -- Kris Jones, Ibis
This is a very useful reference book. -- British Trust for Ornithology
One can randomly open this handy guide to all things birdy and glean myriad tidbits of useful or interesting information, and sometimes both...The writing is clear and direct, and not without humor...This welcome second edition...has something to offer beginners and seasoned birders alike, and is well worth the reasonable price. -- Christine Adkins, Discovery
[
The Birdwatcher's Companion to North American Birdlife] would certainly warrant a place in any birder's library. With the text being as readable as it is most birders, and even non-birding friends and spouses, may even find themselves reading through it just for the enjoyment of discovering more interesting facts about the birds around them. -- R. A. Buhler, British Columbia Birds
The Birdwatcher's Companion to North American Birdlife is an impressive and authoritative compilation of information on one of the most-studied groups of organisms in North America. Birders and bird enthusiasts will enjoy browsing through this book for its myriad of facts and entertaining essays. Leahy's light-hearted writing style, humorous anecdotes, and personal experiences add zest to many topics. Weighing just over 3.5 pounds, this beefy reference book is well worth the cost for any birder and will become a valuable resource for any biologist, ecologist, or manager who responds to questions from the ever-inquisitive public. In short, this book will appeal to those who love birds. -- Lawrence D. Igi, Prairie Naturalist
