Hummingbirds of North America: A Photographic Guide (A Volume in the AP Natural World Series) - Softcover

Howell, Steve

4.33

21 ratings by Goodreads

9780123569554: Hummingbirds of North America: A Photographic Guide (A Volume in the AP Natural World Series)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0123569559 ISBN 13: 9780123569554

Publisher: Princeton University Press, 2001

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This book is the first ever, comprehensive photographic guide to the identification of all 24 species of hummingbirds to be seen as breeders or vagrants in North America..
For all their startling colours, the speed of hummingbird flight and the often drab coloration of females and immatures make this group especially difficult to deal with in the field. The simple field marks are often poorly lit, hard to spot, or simply not shown by any particular individual under observation. But accurate identification of these popular and beautiful birds brings both real satisfaction and a welcome challenge to most birders.
Steve Howell, a well-known and respected bird tour leader and author, has made a particular study of the finer points of hummingbird recognition and has specially chosen over 200 stunning photographs to complement the information given in his text. Some species feature as many as 14 photographs. A detailed introduction covers the basics of hummingbird anatomy and plumage variation, allowing the observer to effectively focus on points that are of value in the field. New field marks are provided and old myths dispelled in this ground breaking and essential new guide.
Key Features
* Contains up to 14 full-color photos for each species, with detailed photo captions
* Detailed introduction covers fundatmentals of hummingbird identification, including discussions of anatomy, plumage variation, and molt
* Comprehensive species accounts describe all plumages, compare similar species in depth, and discuss voice, displays, behavior, geographic range, and seasonal distribution
* Emphasizes difficult to identify plumages, such as females and immatures
* Features 200 stunning photos picked specifically to show identification criteria

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

About the Author:

Steve Howell, Point Reyes Bird Observatory, Stinson Beach, California, U.S.A.

Review:

"If you plan to see hummingbirds in North America, then your identification rate will be far higher with this guide than without it."
-Peter Lansdown for BRITISH BIRDS (MAY 2002)
"This is more than a photographic field guide to the 24 species of North American Hummingbird. Whilst full of excellent color photographs, as well as covering identification of the trickier plumages in great detail, it is also packed with general information as well."
-BIRDING WORLD (March 2002)
"The ensuing field identification section far surpasses anything yet available in terms of depth and accuracy of detail. ...anyone confronted with hummers in southern and western North America, and possessed by the will to identify them, will find this book extremely useful."
-Joe Tobias for BTO NEWS (March 2002)
"This is the first photographic guide to all 24 species of hummingbird recorded in North America. ...The text is supported by over 200 color photographs, with as many as 24 photographs of a single species. ...this book appears to have found a vacant niche and has filled it very nicely."
-Pete Cotton for IBIS (2002)

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.