Birds of North America: A Guide to Field Identification (A Golden Guide from St. Martin's Press)

The Golden field guide, *Birds of North America* has been a favorite companion for countless birders since it was first published in the late 1960's. It has the virtues of being nationally comprehensive, easy to follow (illustrations, maps, songs, and descriptions are provided on the same two pages), and perhaps best of all, small enough to carry in a jacket pocket. It also uses an interesting and highly useful visual "sonagram" approach to conveying information about bird vocalizations.
Unfortunately, however, the ornithological powers that be are constantly lumping and splitting species, rendering field guides at least somewhat obsolete overnight. Consequently, these books must be updated periodically so as to be optimally useful to birders. The Golden guide was last updated during the 1980s, and was long overdue for a makeover.
Happily, this has finally been provided. And indeed, this revised version of the guide is (for the moment) up to date regarding the various lumps and splits that have gone into effect over the past decade. Some of the "splits" are fully illustrated, as with the Canyon vs. California (formerly Brown) towhee. Some, however, are only mentioned in the text, and sometimes all too briefly. It's probably ok not to have a separate illustration of the smaller Gunnison species of the Sage grouse, but a separate illustration of the California gnatcatcher surely should have been provided. Similarly, the somewhat larger and brighter Island scrub jay should have been depicted separately from its relatives the scrub and Florida jays.
Certainly, the publishers of this revised version of the Golden guide have made an earnest effort to provide an updated and attractive entry into the increasingly crowded birding field guide competition. They have included, for example, some new plates illustrating the various introduced parrot species and some (surely not all) of the Eurasian vagrants that are reported in Alaska and along the west coast. There also is a fine illustration comparing the tail feather patterns of both common and accidental pipit species.
However, it seems apparent that the update to this guide was done on a fairly tight budget. Most disappointing is the sometimes mediocre reproduction of what otherwise are fine color illustration plates. Particularly in the shorebird, gull, and tern sections, the quality is simply not first-rate. Apparently sloppy reproduction work also can lead to some misleading visual information. For example, based upon the illustrations of the loon species, one might conclude that the summer Pacific loon has a greenish throat patch while that of the Arctic loon is purplish.
Still, overall, I have always liked this field guide simply because it is so very easy to carry and to use. Consequently, whereas other larger, heavier volumes may be what I study while preparing for a day in the field, the Golden guide provides me with the quick reference I might need while out in the field. As a handy pocket reference, I would continue to recommend that birders consider purchasing this field guide in its updated version.

I actually have the 1983 expanded, revised edition. I like photos more than a book with drawings but these drawings are almost photo quality. What I like about this book is that simular birds are pictured together on one page. Diane

This is a wonderful book. The pictures are great and it is in a form that is easily read.

It was older than i expected.

Good guide, easy to use

Ordered this book for my grandson who, at age seven, wanted it for his bird studies. I see him in his yard with his binoculars and copy of the book scouting the trees and meadows surrounding the house.
He says its great for his artwork. I thought he would wear out my old copy before I got one for him. He thniks its the greatest.

We have other books to help us identify birds , but this one is the best. It has excellent drawings, very clear descriptions and helpful hints to guide you when identifying distinctive markings of birds that look alike.

I recommend this book as the best of its kind. And the price is very reasonable too.

This is a great, if not the best, field guide for birds. All of the information, description, range and call on on the left hand page with the plates on the right. There is no need to flip back and forth between pages. The plates are excellent but unfortunately, do not point out the field marks as does Peterson's.

This is a great book! It is a little different than previous releases, so it can take time to learn the new format.

This is a great book! It is a little different than previous releases, so it can take time to learn the new format.