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The volume begins with an informative essay on bird physiology, evolution, behavior, and classification. Each of the ensuing chapters treats one of the 42 major groups of North American birds, comprising 78 individual families. Following a general essay about the group, chapters provide details on each family, including classification, physical structure, plumage, behavior, ranges, observation tips, and conservation status. Major species are represented with outstanding illustrations, and sidebars treat special topics. A basic glossary of bird terminology, a brief bibliography, and an index that will be familiar to users of the Field Guide round out the volume.
The volume is populated with hundreds of very useful maps. Each chapter contains maps that chart the ranges and migration patterns of major species or families. In the "specialty maps" section, there is a wonderful map of "important bird areas in the contiguous United States" (great for vacation planning), and nearly 600 of the small range maps from the Field Guide are reproduced.
This is an outstanding companion to the Field Guide, but it also stands on its own as an excellent introductory text to the world of birds. It will be at home in public and school libraries and also belongs in all serious recreational and academic collections that serve those interested in birds and birding. More advanced readers may also want to consider the Audubon Society's Sibley Guide set (Knopf, 2000). RBB
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