Education & Reference, Birdwatching, Reference 

Authoritative text, crystal--clear photography, and a systematic approach make this the most comprehensive pocket guide to birds of the world. Featuring over 800 bird species, this volume is designed to simplify the sometimes complex identification process. Whether in your neighborhood or in the wild, the Smithsonian Handbook of Birds of the World enables you to spot and recognize birds easily. Photo--Encyclopedic Approach: Each entry combines a precise description with an annotated photograph to highlight the bird's chief characteristics and distinguishing features. There are useful maps showing worldwide distribution, pictures of alternative plumage, and scale drawings of each bird. Color--coded, quick--reference bands giving at--a--glance facts complete every entry. Identification Made easy: For beginners and established enthusiasts alike, the Smithsonian Handbook of Birds of the World begins by describing anatomy and behavior to help identify different types of bird. A visual identification key then shows the major bird groups and guides you to the correct entries. Finally, a concise glossary provides a useful guide to the scientific and technical terms used in the book. - from Amzon