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
Buy from Buteo Books
(based in the U.S.)
Buy from NHBS
(based in the U.K.)
Posted by Grant McCreary on September 30th, 2021.
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