Thursday, September 10, 2020

New Titles


1) Ganbold, Dorj and Chris Smith. A Field Guide to the Birds of Mongolia. 2019. John Beaufoy Publishing. Paperback: 304 pages. Price: $39.99 U.S. 
PUBLISHER'S SUMMARY: The species are clearly illustrated in over 154 plates, showing plumage variation between sexes, seasons, and age classes, as well as the upperside and underside of birds in flight. Common, scientific, and Mongolian names are given for each species. The main identifying features of each species are described and key facts cover habitat, identifying features, and voice. Distribution maps provide an at-a-glance view of where and when the birds can be found. The book also includes information on the geography and major habitats of Mongolia.
RECOMMENDATION: When compared to the Helm/Princeton University Press's Birds of Mongolia (2019), this title is thicker (304 vs 280 pages), the artwork has arrows indicating field marks, and the range maps are bigger.


2) Kricher, John. Peterson Reference Guide to Bird Behavior. 2020. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Hardbound: 343 pages. Price: $35.00 U.S.
PUBLISHER'S SUMMARY: Both casual and serious birdwatchers can take their skills to the next level with this detailed consideration of bird behavior. This book makes it possible to move beyond identifying birds to understanding some of the underpinning and meaning to what birds do, how they do it, and why they do it. Written in an easy-to-understand style, with an abundance of photos illustrating the behaviors, the book shows how flight, molt, migration, feeding, predation, social behavior, courtship, and nesting shape birds’ behaviors. Birds are everywhere, and easy to observe; this introduction to elements of bird behavior will connect readers more intimately with these remarkable and beguilingly perceptive animals.
RECOMMENDATION: A must have for anyone with an interest in bird behavior.



 3-4) Peterson, Roger Tory. Peterson Field Guide to Birds of Eastern & Central North America, Seventh Edition, and Peterson Field Guide to Birds of Western North America, Fifth Edition. 2020. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Flexibound: 376 and 465 pages respectively. Price: $19.99 U.S. each. 
PUBLISHER'S SUMMARY: For decades, the Peterson Field Guide to Birds of Eastern and Central North America has been a popular and trusted guide for birders of all levels, thanks to its famous system of identification and unparalleled illustrations. Following the Spring 2020 update to Peterson Field Guide to Birds of North America, this guide will feature updated text and range maps, and art updated to reflect current knowledge in ornithology. 
     For decades, the Peterson Field Guide to Birds of Western North America has been a popular and trusted guide for birders of all levels, thanks to its famous system of identification and unparalleled illustrations. Following the Spring 2020 update to Peterson Field Guide to Birds of North America, this guide will feature updated text and range maps, and art updated to reflect current knowledge in ornithology. Now that the American Birding Association has expanded its species Checklist to include Hawaii, this guide will include 25 all-new plates covering the birds of Hawaii.
RECOMMENDATION: If you own previous editions of these guides, you will want these updated editions!