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Bird Families of North America
by Pete Dunne and Kevin T. Karlson

From Mariner Books:

This guide takes readers beyond merely identifying birds to understanding them. Many birders can tell the difference between a White-eyed and Bell’s Vireo but cannot begin to describe a vireo and what distinguishes members of this family from warblers or flycatchers. The “species by species” approach makes it difficult to appreciate birds for what they are: members of well-organized groupings united by common traits. Putting the focus on families, and their shared characteristics, makes bird identification easier and more meaningful. More than 150 color photos illustrate the 81 bird families of the United States and Canada.

This book, from two noted birders/authors, provides a succinct introduction to learning these birds apart from identification. Despite the title, though, the vast majority of this book is species accounts. While this could be helpful to beginners, I can’t help but feel that one of Karlson’s previous books – Peterson Reference Guide to Birding by Impression – is actually a better family-level guide than this book.

Bird Families of North America
by Pete Dunne and Kevin T. Karlson
Hardcover; 288 pages
Mariner Books; August 3, 2021
ISBN: 9780358164074
$26.00

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Naturalized Parrots of the World: Distribution, Ecology, and Impacts of the World’s Most Colorful Colonizers
Edited by Stephen Pruett-Jones

From Princeton University Press:

There are more than 350 species of parrots in the world, and approximately 300 of these species have been transported to other countries through the caged pet trade. Whether through escaped captivity or purposeful release, many of these parrots are now breeding in new habitats. Indeed, no less than 75 species of parrots have established breeding populations in countries where they were introduced, and parrots are now among the most widely distributed group of birds. Naturalized Parrots of the World is the first book to examine this specific avian population.

Bringing together the work of leading researchers in one convenient volume, this book explores the biology of naturalized parrots and their interactions with native ecosystems. Experts discuss the global distribution of parrots, their genetics, conservation implications, and human responses to these birds. They also consider debates surrounding management issues and the lack of consensus around nonnative species in the wild. Later chapters feature case studies of the two most successful species―the Rose-ringed Parakeet and Monk Parakeet―as well as studies of the introduced parrot species located in specific countries and regions, including the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, northern Europe, South Africa, and Australia.

Highlighting critical aspects of conservation biology and biodiversity, Naturalized Parrots of the World will be an invaluable resource for parrot owners, ornithologists, conservation biologists, and birdwatchers.

It must be noted first of all that this is not a field guide, nor an account of all the parrots that have been introduced around the world. This is a synopsis of current research on introduced parrots, in the form of 19 chapters written by various ornithologists on various topics. It’s probably too technical for most birders, but could be very valuable to other ornithologists and those working in conservation.

Naturalized Parrots of the World: Distribution, Ecology, and Impacts of the World’s Most Colorful Colonizers
Edited by Stephen Pruett-Jones
Hardcover; 304 pages
Princeton University Press; August 10, 2021
ISBN: 9780691204413
$45.00

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Birdpedia: A Brief Compendium of Avian Lore
by Christopher W. Leahy

From Princeton University Press:

A captivating A–Z treasury about birds and birding

Birdpedia is an engaging illustrated compendium of bird facts and birding lore. Featuring nearly 200 entries―on topics ranging from plumage and migration to birds in art, literature, and folklore―this enticing collection is brimming with wisdom and wit about all things avian.

Christopher Leahy sheds light on “hawk-watching,” “twitching,” and other rituals from the sometimes mystifying world of birding that entail a good deal more than their names imply. He explains what kind of bird’s nests you can eat, why mocking birds mock, and many other curiosities that have induced otherwise sane people to peer into treetops using outrageously expensive optical equipment. Leahy shares illuminating insights about pioneering ornithologists such as John James Audubon and Florence Bailey, and describes unique bird behaviors such as anting, caching, duetting, and mobbing. He discusses avian fossils, the colloquial naming of birds, the science and history of ornithology, and more. The book’s convenient size makes it the perfect traveling companion to take along on your own avian adventures.

With charming illustrations by Abby McBride, Birdpedia is a marvelous mix of fact and fancy that is certain to delight seasoned birders and armchair naturalists alike.

Birdpedia is a miscellany of bird information, from migration to Audubon to birds in politics. It is basically a slimmed-down version of the author’s previous book, The Birdwatcher’s Companion. While that older volume was fodder for serious birders, this book’s target audience seems to be, as the author puts it, “curious reader[s]”. But no matter who you are, I bet you’ll learn something here.

Birdpedia: A Brief Compendium of Avian Lore
by Christopher W. Leahy
Hardcover; 272 pages
Princeton University Press; July 6, 2021
ISBN: 9780691209661
$16.95

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More Birds Than Bullets: My Life with Birds
by Geoffrey McMullan

From Pathfinder UK:

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to combine your interests with your career? Serving in the British Army has allowed the author to follow his innate passion for birds and interest in travel which has taken in to place he could only have dreams about. The stories are based on his experiences with birds, people and places all over the world, both in and out of the army.

This is a very different sort of birding memoir. To be honest, I hadn’t made it very far into the book when I put it down for a while; I wasn’t too sure about it. But in picking it back up today and reading a little more about it elsewhere, I think I may have been premature. I’m going to give it another chance.

[Update] I did give this book another chance and am glad that I did. It would still greatly benefit from some editing, but the stories are great and unique – certainly unlike anything else I’ve read. It’s worth a read.

More Birds Than Bullets: My Life with Birds
by Geoffrey McMullan
Paperback; 220 pages
Pathfinder UK; January, 2020
ISBN: 9780957618145
£14.99 UK, $18.99 US, €16.99 EU

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Full Chase Mode: Big Year of Birding in North America
by John Vanderpoel

From Buteo Books:

John Vanderpoel is a lifelong birder and the creator of the critically acclaimed Advanced Birding Video Series with Jon Dunn. In 2011, John set off to undertake a North American Big Year. His whirlwind adventure took him to the edges of the continent. He sailed the high seas with the Admiral of the Atlantic, the Queen Bee of the Western Sea and a modern-day mystic. He raced ATVs over the stones of St. Lawrence Island with the Czar and up a snow-covered pass on Adak Island in the middle of December with a frontier man. Along the way, he tallied more North American birds in one year than he’d seen in his entire life and met scores of interesting people, including many of the legends of the birding world. He wasn’t searching for the meaning of life – he was too busy living it. For three hundred and sixty-five incredible days.

This is a lively tale and keeps your interest. Those who appreciate big year narratives should enjoy this latest entry in this specialized genera. And anyone contemplating doing a North American big year of their own can learn a great deal from it.

Full Chase Mode: Big Year of Birding in North America
by John Vanderpoel
Paperback; 512 pages
Buteo Books; April, 2021
ISBN: 9780931130205
$24.95

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My Tiny Life by Ruby T. Hummingbird
by Paul Meisel

From Holiday House:

Tiny but mighty! A ruby throated hummingbird tells his own life story in this funny, bright, informative entry to the critically acclaimed Nature Diary science series.

May 15: Today I poked my way out of this tiny egg.

With Mom feeding him insects and nectar, Ruby T. Hummingbird is soon able to beat his wings and fly—up, down, backward, and forward—and forage for himself. But don’t be fooled! This elegant creature can turn into a fierce fighter if another hummingbird tries to feed on his flower—or his hummingbird feeder.

June 21: This flower is MINE! No you don’t.

A second test of his strength comes when he migrates to a warmer climate in the fall and a cooler climate in the spring.

March 1, 5 a.m.: I’m off! Wish me luck.

Children will love poring over the bright, highly detailed illustrations and pondering ideas about nature.

The book includes a glossary and further information in the back of the book. Both art and text have been vetted for accuracy by an expert.

This is a cute-looking book, recommended for children age 4-8 (Preschool – 3rd grade).

My Tiny Life by Ruby T. Hummingbird
by Paul Meisel
Hardcover; 40 pages
Holiday House; April 13, 2021
ISBN: 9780823443222
$17.99