Hummingbirds of the Am West (Natural History Series) [Paperback]

Lynn Hassler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2002 | Series: Natural History Series

The American Southwest offers prime habitat for hummingbirds. Indeed, of the sixteen species of hummingbirds resident in North America, all but one either nest in or migrate through the region. In Hummingbirds of the American West, birding authority Lynn Hassler Kaufman describes in detail the field marks, behavioral characteristics, and habitat requirements of each species. Extraordinary color photographs also capture these fascinating birds in flight, feeding, and nesting. Hummingbirds of the American West identifies prime locations in the deserts and sky island mountain ranges of the American Southwest where avid birders are most likely to encounter these remarkable creatures. For resident bird lovers who also have a green thumb, Lynn Hassler Kaufman describes how to create a hummingbird garden with native plants that are sure to attract their attention.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Lynn Hassler has been birding for over 25 years. She is the author of Birds of the American Southwest and Hummingbirds of the American West. She lives in Tucson, Arizona.

Product Details

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Rio Nuevo (January 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1887896279
• ISBN-13: 978-1887896276
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,285,228 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An ideal guide for any fan of hummingbirds!, April 17, 2004

By 

Monika "equestrienne_23" (Davis, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hummingbirds of the Am West (Natural History Series) (Paperback)

This is the perfect guidebook for any hummingbird enthusiast in the western United States. It begins with basic hummingbird information on physical characteristics, feeding habits, territory, behavior, vocalizations, life cycle, and migration. The book then goes into specific profiles of the 18 species found in this region: Green Violet-ear, Broad-billed, White-eared, Berylline, Buff-bellied, Violet-crowned, Blue-throated, Magnificent, Plain-capped, Lucifer, Ruby-throated, Black-chinned, Anna's, Costa's, Calliope, Broad-tailed, Rufous, and Allen's. Each profile includes the common name, Latin name, Spanish name, and information on the bird's range, physical appearance and coloration, behavior, call sounds, habitat, diet and feeding habits, courtship and nesting, and the origin of the species' name. For most species there are pictures of both the male and female, though a few picture only the male. The pictures are large, clear, and very beautiful. There are also brief descriptions of three species not native to the American west, but which have been spotted here on rare occasions: the Green-breasted Mango, the Xantus's Hummingbird, and the Cinnamon Hummingbird.

The latter part of the book is devoted to tips on gardening to attract hummingbirds. There is an explanation of hummingbirds and pollinators, information on the needs of hummingbirds (for shelter, nesting, and climate, as well as food), and a list of flowering plants that hummingbirds favor. They are most attracted to flowers that are red, pink, or orange in color. The book gives both the common and scientific name of each plant suggested, as well as it's native habitat and the elevations at which it grows best. Several of the plants are pictured as well. At the end of the book there is a brief section on hummingbird feeders, detailing the most effective varieties, and simple guidelines on sugar-water mixtures and ways to deter bees and ants. The entire book is well-written and provides all the vital information for identifying the hummingbirds in your area. It is also thin and lightweight, making it easily portable if you wish to carry it along on bird-watching excursions. I would highly recommend it to any lover of hummingbirds in the western US.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars perfect for painting, November 9, 2006

By 

L. Kelemen "Law Offices of Hanak and Skila" (Los Angeles, California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hummingbirds of the Am West (Natural History Series) (Paperback)

I'm a painter and these photographs are perfect for my projects! The photographs of the birds in this book are animated and dynamic as opposed to other books of this type.