Birds of North America: A Photographic Atlas. Among the diversity of photographs in this book, a singing Varied Thrush is exemplary (photo by Brian E. Small).

A standout new book, Birds of North America: A Photographic Atlas is a brilliant publication that provides up-to-date information and exceptional photographs to illustrate all 1,144 bird species ever documented in North America, including Hawaiian birds and vagrant species. Featuring more than 1,200 full-color photographs and illustrations, plus more than 700 large-format color range maps, this comprehensive reference book is a gem for anyone interested in birds – it truly belongs in every home, library, and science classroom!

Just as its name implies, “A Photographic Atlas” provides a wealth of exceptional photographs that illustrate each species in the wild, selected and curated by Brian E. Small, one of America’s most talented bird photographers. While the photographs are featured elements of this publication, keep in mind that this “Atlas” is not a field guide, although it does have some similarities, such as the excellent colored range maps. The maps are large, detailed, and the most up-to-date range maps that even show the borders of each state and province, which is very helpful.

Also unlike field guides, author and ornithologist Bruce Beeler succinctly describes each species’ ecology, behavior, seasonal movements, nesting biology, and conservation status by using the most up to date information available. This exciting new Photographic Atlas provides an exceptional source of information to better appreciate the remarkable variety of birds found in North America and Hawaii. You will learn something each time you open the book, and the more you page through this book, the more interesting information you will glean from the text, photographs, and range maps! You will also surely be delighted by the remarkable photographs presented page after page.

The “rare birds and vagrants” section features information and photos of birds that have been found far from their normal range – usually from Asia, Latin America, or Europe – that have been documented by birders in North America and Hawaii. Beehler and Small note in the introduction that this section grew naturally as work on the book was progressing. Other special sections also provide information like an up-to-date overview of the most popular apps and websites for birders, ranging from eBird for listing personal sightings and photographs, to birding community initiatives such as Project FeederWatch.

Bonus sections provide some guidance when you are selecting birding gear, how to plan for field trips, and one section introduces you to worthy conservation groups. This is the book to inspire new interests in birds and to inform current birders ranging from beginners to advanced birders, plus it provides an upscaled introduction to birds for children and young people interested in birds.

Bruce Beehler is a Research Associate in the Division of Birds at the National Museum of Natural History, a part of the Smithsonian Institution. Brian E. Small is one of North America’s best known and most accomplished bird photographers, whose images have been published in more than 50 books and many magazines, websites, and other publications.

Birds of North America: A Photographic Atlas is published by John Hopkins University Press, where you can learn more at Birds of North America | Hopkins Press (jhu.edu) You can also “look inside the book” online at Amazon.com: Birds of North America: A Photographic Atlas: 9781421448268: Beehler, Bruce M., Small, Brian E., Parr, Michael J.: Books