The Sibley Guide to Birds, Second Edition

At last, a book comes to life that is unarguably the final word on birds. It is a complete, illustrated guide to know birds. And it achieves its aim with ease. This 600-page collection birds and their life styles speaks volumes on this majestic animal, from the tiniest hovering, backward-flying humming bird to the stealth of the great horned owl to the majesty of the American eagle. It catalogues each of the nearly 7,000 species so that the reader enjoys a complete set of details of each bird species, providing eye-opening details. It identifies and clarifies each species, and illustrates how each survive, lives and thrives. From eating habits to plumage, the guide puts birds in their place leaving the reader with a sense of appreciation for the nature of bird life.

The brilliant illustrations are uniquely suited for this edition, portraying accurate depictions of each bird. The guide also describes each bird species with respect to the standardized body parts and bird feeding habits. Along with a comprehensive explanation of behavioral habits, the guide provides an easy reference for serious bird watchers and others who might take bird knowledge seriously.

This book is not only masterfully thought out and written, but equally masterfully illustrated by the author, making this guide a handsome gift to the bird enthusiast as well as the casual reader seeking bird knowledge. The book also provides an in-depth look at Sibley’s talents, making the author an absolute authority on the subject. A delightful read.