Smithsonian Birds of North America [Hardcover]

Fred J. Alsop (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2006

Smithsonian Birds of North America: Life Histories of More Than 930 Species (Specially Priced Hardcover Gift Edition)

A must-have reference for birders across North America, this comprehensive Smithsonian reference is now available in an attractively priced gift edition, sure to be cherished for years to come. This comprehensive reference includes full-page profiles of more than 930 species - all the birds known to breed in the United States or Canada, as well as regular visitors and vagrants to the continent. Birds of North America provides essential identification tips on each species, together with fascinating information on feeding and behavior, breeding, and nesting habits. Identification. Full-page species profiles combine a precise description and annotated photographs to highlight the key field marks of the adult male. Other plumages are portrayed with photographs or artworks if they differ significantly. Species similar to the one profiled are shown with a brief summary of the key differences. An explanation of the typical flight pattern of each species includes both schematic artworks and a verbal description. Life histories. Knowledge of behavior can be critical to differentiate between similar species, and an understanding of life histories enhances the total birding experience. Each profile includes a description of the typical vocalizations, feeding behavior, breeding, nesting, population, and conservation concerns. A range map shows each bird's occurrence in North America during summer, winter, and during migration. The author, Frederick Joseph Alsop, III Ph.D. is an ornithologist and a professor of biological sciences at East Tennessee State University. He received his doctorate in zoology from the University of Tennessee, and specializes in the ecology, distribution, life history, and taxonomy of birds. An avid field biologist and birder, he has identified more than 3,200 species of birds worldwide. A gorgeous volume of more than 1000 full-color pages, this is a gift book to be enjoyed by generations of bird watchers. This special edition, originally published at $60.00, is available to Amazon.com customers at a special low price.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

The author, Frederick Joseph Alsop, III Ph.D. is an ornithologist and a professor of biological sciences at East Tennessee State University. He received his doctorate in zoology from the University of Tennessee, and specializes in the ecology, distribution, life history, and taxonomy of birds. An avid field biologist and birder, he has identified more than 3,200 species of birds worldwide.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1008 pages
• Publisher: DK Publishing (August 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0756622840
• ISBN-13: 978-0756622848
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.2 x 2.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #914,914 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

76 of 77 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Reference, September 2, 2006

By 

Trotski "trotski" (Springfield, VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Smithsonian Birds of North America (Hardcover)

I just received this book from Amazon after pre-ordering it 3 months ago. I feel compelled to write this review after reading the only other review on the site which is so negative.

From reading the other review I can only believe that the reviewer is thinking of a different book than the one offered here by Amazon because 1) This book wasn't published until August 2006 and the review was posted in March 2) The photos are not of stuffed birds.

Now onto the review:

Whereas the previous review states that the book is too large to be carried into the field, that is definitely true. Yes, it is large enough to be used as a doorstop -- probably large enough to stop the door from closing during a storm in fact! The fact that the book is large is by design because it contains huge full-color pages of over 900 bird species. The photos and drawings are fantastic and detailed. For every photo there are lines and pointers to the identifying characteristics of each bird which distinguish each from similar-looking birds. The fact that these photos are so large with such detailed notes makes this book an excellent reference versus other, smaller field guides which have small photos or drawings.

The books large photos and large print descriptions make this book an excellent reference for older birders who might have difficulty reading the fine print in other reference books of this type, particularly field guides.

Each bird page starts off with the scientific family and species name at the top of each page along with the length and wingspan in inches. In addition to the large full-color photo, there are smaller photos and drawings on each page for each bird -- one that is just the outline of the bird to show you its shape when standing or perched. If the bird has varying seasonal color or as a juvenile a drawing is included for the color variation as well (although these drawings are not very detailed). A nice feature is a small box on each page with "Similar birds" listed which can be invaluable when trying to determine the species of a particular bird seen.

Also on each page you can find all the facts and details for each species that you could possibly want: song, behavior, breeding, nesting, population and conservation details. Every page has a map showing the population densities and range for each bird in North America. Also on every bird page are boxes showing the bird's flight pattern and tips for nest identification -- something I have never seen in other reference books of this type.

On the bottom of each page are boxes describing plumage, habitat, migration and weight. On the edge of each page are spaces provided for the birder to note sightings of each species with date, time and location.

If the individual reference for each bird weren't enough, the beginning of the book starts off with a 40 page discussion about birds -- how they are identified and how they vary between species, the topography of birds and anatomy. Each family group also is grouped together throughout the book and enjoys its own overview in addition to the descriptions given to the species within the family.

I cannot say enough about the quaility of printing of this book and the authors fine attention to detail. Please disregard the previous review because it does quite an injustice to this fine reference book. This book is well worth its price, particularly for such a large hardcover book with high-quality paper and printing.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent reference, October 6, 2006

By 

Paul L. Sharp - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Smithsonian Birds of North America (Hardcover)

At the thirty-dollar price, I thought I would try this. Its main feature is an extensive list of birds more than most guides. There is more information on each bird than field guides can provide. The illustrations are okay but I have seen better.

I like the Sibley Guide to Birds and the Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior better. The Guide to Birds is especially good for illustrating different plumages for seasons and age. If you wish to learn about birds, different books by different authors are needed. Each gives a unique view with varying facts and information. This book would made a good addition to anyone's collection of bird books.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars By its cover, October 12, 2006

By 

sweet simplicity "'tis a gift" (Spokane WA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Smithsonian Birds of North America (Hardcover)

Between the covers, this book is exactly the same as "Birds of North America: The Complete Guide to More than 930 Species, In Association with the Smithsonian Institution. ISBN 0-7894-9373-X

I already had it, and just didn't recognize it. Yes, I judged the book by its cover. Just a heads up, to save anyone else the inconvenience of returning it.