National Geographic Complete Birds of North America, 2nd Edition: Now Covering More Than 1,000 Species With the Most-Detailed Information Found in a Single Volume

This was a gift for Spouse who is learning to love birding as much as I do. He gets frustrated with many guides because finding information quickly can be difficult without "practice". The information in this MASSIVE book is stunning! The photos are SO crisp and clear they make identifying birds in flight SO much easier. I have found Spouse reading random pages just for fun while waiting for a new round of feeder visitors. I absolutely agree this is NOT a travel friendly book. It is Big and HEAVY--but that is because it is CRAMMED with photos and info. It took me a long time to decide on a new birding book and I am thrilled with how comprehensive this book is!!!

This book is definitely not one to take on the trail but rather leave in the vehicle or home for researching birds. Has a combination of photos, not on all birds, and drawings of each species. Gives several images of birds that vary color in age and season. The great range and number of species make it a needed resource for active birders. There are comparison pictures/photos of similar looking species to see the differences between them. With bird populations working their way north from the southern climates, it is handy to have the information on them as they permanently settle in the US. Maps are up-to-date such as the Eurasian Collared Dove that has settled into most of the US in the last few years and the Sand Hill Cranes and Trumpeter Swans that are returning to areas they haven't been in for decades.

Huge book, great detail and wonderful imagery. I bought this for my bff and her husband. They have a huge privacy fenced in yard and are always outside discussing this bird or that. I heard in conversation, there was a bird they could not find in their current bird book that they needed to upgrade books, so this was the perfect holiday gift. It looks very nice and expensive and I was impressed when I got it.

This is a massive book, with many good illustrations and informative text. Just started with it, but the birds encountered in the field (and could not recognize due to American territory, and me coming from Europe), are in it. Compare this to books we used to have when as children and teens we would go bird-watching and had seen (almost) every bird in the book, keeping track; but the descriptions and illustrations (drawn) are of such level that will allow for good identifying. Not a book to take with you on a hike/birdwatch trip though, due to it's weight. But definitely one for your library.

This hardbound book is another fine effort by National Geographic. It definitely is a at home reference, not a field guide. This book has beautiful artwork, good maps, and is heavy and sturdily bound. Although I like the illustrations of Roger Tory Peterson, and own several of his field guides, I did not hesitate to purchase this fine book, which is a worthy addition to any pro or novice birder's library. Definitely worthwhile!

This is a reference book. Yes, you could carry it in your car, but it is too heavy and extensive to be a field book. But, it is on my desk, ready to be referenced at any time. Gives excellent summation of each species, subspecies and rarities. It is well written, covers more species then any other book of its size with up to date and detailed information. I recommend it highly!!

Super complete! Lots and lots of birds; i do not live in USA, i live in Mexico; and this book has almost every bird of Mexico (not hummingbirds), so i use it a lot. I can search and find birds easy and fast.
Is very updated, for example, now the (Carpodacus mexicanus) is (Haemorhous mexicanus).

This is a fantastic book for anyone from the amateur to serious birder. Although it is obviously not a field guide, it serves as an excellent reference when you get back home, and can be a great learning tool to flip through (or skim/read cover-to-cover, which I recommend).

This is a thorough encyclopedia of North American birds. It is a heavy keep at home tome that is fine given I use it to compare with my photographs and never have time to consult a guide while on bird photography outings. The book is comprehensive for all parts of the USA and is well illustrated with all stages of a particular bird’s development and both sexes on the same page rather than presented separately as is annoying in other guides. A must for every border.

Excellent book, full of information. Other books may have actual photos of birds, but they only have one or two photos. This book uses color drawings and it has multiple views with different ages. One of the best books I have found on birds showing migration paths, and breeding seasons.