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A Review of a New Bird BookSmithsonian Field Guide to the Birds of North America
Ted Floyd, editor of Birding Magazine, gives us the Smithsonian Field Guide to the Birds of North America (Collins, 2008). The book has some unique and useful features.
“Bird identification may seem simple to observers with experience,” Floyd writes, ‘but to the novice, it often seems more like wizardry” (1). Then he sets out to demystify the magic by giving us an organized guide that provides useful information in a consistent format, enhanced by two thousand superb photographs of birds. All birders will find this guide useful, but the inexperienced birder will find it indispensable. In many ways, the Smithsonian Field Guide to the Birds of North America follows a familiar format. Birds are divided into groups of closely related species and then each species is presented individually. The species account gives the common and scientific name, average size, habitat, typical behavior, a range map, and descriptions of physical appearance and voice. Each account is accompanied by a photograph. Some accounts have as many five photographs illustrating the differences between male and female birds, breeding and nonbreeding plumage, immature birds, and natural variations. Features that Stand OutThe careful attention to variations in appearance is one area where Floyd’s book excels over other guides: as well as the generous photographs, the species accounts have bulleted points in the text that highlight factors affecting appearance. A second strength is the unique addition of a DVD with audio files of the vocalizations of about 20 percent of the birds. Downloaded to an MP3 player, these files can easily be taken along on a birding expedition to aid with identification. Finally, the species account provides the American Birding Association code, making it easy to determine at a glance whether a bird is common, restricted to certain areas or downright rare, a gift to both the curious and the tentative in bird identification. A Holistic Approach to Bird IdentificationA bird taken out of the context of its surroundings is only half the story. Floyd writes that “understanding where birds are, what they do, and what they look like are key elements in becoming a better birder” (8). Accordingly, he strives for a holistic approach to bird identification. His long discussion of various habitats in the introduction, however, is both too general to be useful in the field and too detailed for any but the serious experienced birder. Essays at the beginning of each group of birds, and the species accounts themselves deliver the whole bird approach to much better effect. CaveatsLike all bird field guides, the Smithsonian Field Guide to the Birds of North America attempts to strike a balance between maximum content and minimum size. The photographs are fabulous and the amount of information packed into the 512 pages of the guide is impressive. Unfortunately, however, the book is heavy—at a little over two pounds, it will add significantly to the weight of a backpack or shoulder bag and may be left behind in favor of a lighter reference. Before starting to use the Smithsonian guide, the birder should take time to read both the inside of the front cover and the introduction. These sections provide information about terminology, diagrams showing the parts of a bird, and advice on bird identification that clarify the species accounts. Floyd’s best advice: “Don’t worry about what the experts—whoever they are—might think…. Put a name on every bird” (28). His field guide will help you do it. Other Books About Birds:Products for Birders:
The copyright of the article A Review of a New Bird Book in Bird Watching is owned by Rosemary Drisdelle. Permission to republish A Review of a New Bird Book in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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