Birds of North America » (REVISED)

Golden Guides first appeared in 1949 and quickly established themselves as authorities on subjects from Natural History to Science. Relaunched in 2000, Golden Guides from St. Martin's Press feature modern, new covers as part of a multi-year, million-dollar program to revise, update, and expand the complete line of guides for a new generation of students.

Spot the silhouette of a Northern Goshawk in flight. Identify the raucous call of the Red-winged Blackbird. Discover the secret of picking out a Chipping Sparrow from its look-alike cousins. It's simple with this classic field guide, a treasured favorite among amateur bird lovers and exacting professionals. Recognized as the authority on bird identification, this invaluable resource provides:

-All of North America in one volume

-Over 800 species and 600 range maps

-Arthur Singer's famous illustrations featuring male, female, and juvenile plumage

-Sonograms that picture sound for easy song recognition

-Migration routes, feeding habits, and characteristic flight patterns

-American ornithologists' classifications

-Convenient check boxes to record birds you have identified

-Color tabs for quick references

Children's Literature

This classic field guide is complete and compact enough to fit in any backpack or picnic basket. This edition reflects the revisions in bird classifications, changes in scientific and common names, and includes species that were formerly visitors but are now more commonly seen. Range maps have been updated as well. A thorough introduction shows readers how to use the extensive keys, and the bibliography includes more than two dozen authors and other recent guides and handbooks, as well. The typeface is readable and lighter-appearing than in previous editions; illustrations seem rephotographed and lighter in color. A step up in density from the approachable Golden Guide Birds by Zim and Gabrielson (St. Martins, 2001), this guide should be a standard reference for schools and families who wish to know more about birds. An extensive index and a quick reference index are included. 2001, St. Martin's Press, $15.95. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Susan Hepler