Iowa Breeding Bird Atlas (Bur Oak Book) [Paperback]

Laura Spess Jackson (Author), James J. Dinsmore (Contributor), Carol A. Thompson (Contributor)

Book Description

Series: Bur Oak Book | Publication Date: November 1, 1996

The Iowa Breeding Bird Atlas—the first comprehensive statewide survey of Iowa's breeding birds—provides a detailed record of the composition and distribution of the avifauna of the Hawkeye State. The atlas documents the presence of 199 species, 158 of which were confirmed breeding. This landmark volume will alert Iowans to the limited distribution of numerous species and serve as a guide to the management practices—such as forest and wetland management, set-aside programs, reduction in farm chemical use, and crop diversity—which could help insure that many future changes are positive ones. The Iowa Breeding Bird Atlas provides a welcome and much-needed baseline for future comparisons of changes in Iowa's birdlife and, by extension, the lives of all animals in the state.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Iowa now joins the growing number of states with a breeding bird atlas in print. This publication has been eagerly awaited by Iowa and Midwest birders and researchers since the fieldwork was completed in 1990. Fortunately it includes information through 1995. Resulting from the efforts of over 500 volunteer observers, the production of the atlas was a monumental task.”—Peter C. Peterson, past president, Iowa Ornithologists' Union

About the Author

James Dinsmore grew up in southern Mississippi and has lived in Ames since 1975. He is professor of animal ecology at Iowa State University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 504 pages
• Publisher: University Of Iowa Press; 1 edition (November 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877455619
• ISBN-13: 978-0877455615
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,330,098 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This book is an excellent overview of the birds of Iowa., December 7, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Iowa Breeding Bird Atlas (Bur Oak Book) (Hardcover)

The Iowa Breeding Bird Atlas presents the first detailed state-wide survey results for breeding birds. Detailed species accounts are provided for more than 150 birds known to breed in Iowa. These are accompanied by maps showing the distribution of the birds. Several introductory chapters summarize information about the vegetation, geologic origins, and history of the state. Summary statistics include tables showing the most common species, the most frequently confirmed breeding species, and correlations between species groups and the different landforms. The data in this volume includes key information on both common and rare species. This book is an excellent reference for anyone interested in birds or bird atlases. The species accounts are extremely well-written and informative. I highly recommend this book.