A Photographic Guide to North American Raptors

By William S. Clark and Brian K. Wheeler

Book Overview

Whether soaring or perched, diurnal birds of prey often present challenging identification problems for the bird enthusiast. Variable plumage, color morphs, and unique individual characteristics are just some of the factors bird watchers must consider when identifying the different species. In this authoritative reference, two of the world's top experts on raptors provide an essential guide to the variations in the species, allowing for easier recognition of key identification points. All the distinguishing marks described have been exhaustively tested in a wide range of field conditions by the authors as well as the colleagues and students who have learned from them. Key Features? The only complete photographic guide to North American diurnal birds of prey Includes all species, common and rare Written by well-known experts Contains 365 photographs, each with an explanatory caption and supporting text describing all 43 species of diurnal raptors found in North America Features 14 discussions of specific problems in practical identification Complete set showing every plumage Raptor I.D. problem section showing similar species side by side Species List: Turkey Vulture. Black Vulture. California Condor. Osprey. Hook-billed Kite. Swallow-tailed Kite. White-tailed Kite. Snail Kite. Mississippi Kite. Bald Eagle. Northern Harrier. Sharp-shinned Hawk. Cooper's Hawk. Northern Goshawk. Common Black Hawk. Harris' Hawk. Gray Hawk. Red-shouldered Hawk. Broad-winged Hawk. Short-tailed Hawk. Swainson's Hawk. White-tailed Hawk. Zone-tailed Hawk. Red-tailed Hawk. Ferruginous Hawk. Rough-legged Hawk. Golden Eagle. Crested Caracara. American Kestrel. Merlin. Aplomado Falcon. Gyrfalcon. Peregrine. Prairie Falcon. Crane Hawk. Roadside Hawk. Hawaiian Hawk. Red-backed Hawk. Steller's Sea Eagle. White-tailed Eagle. Collared Forest Falcon. Northern Hobby. Common Kestrel.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0127455302
• ISBN13: 9780127455303
• Release Date: July 1995
• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Length: 198 Pages
• Weight: 1.32 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.8" x 0.8" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

A great education!

I am reading it cover to cover. There is so much information, and the pictures are really good. They have included many different views of each bird. It is everything I had hoped for.

Soar With the Falcons!

This masterpiece is one of the best field guides for raptors in North America. Readers are treated to several pictures of each type of bird. Raptors are shown perched and in flight, face on and in side view. Readers also see the field markings on the birds which are fully explained in a clear, direct way. A guide to helping readers identify the differences among the raptors is also provided. This is an excellent, outstanding work.

Hawks and Birds of Prey

This is by far the very best book I have ever seen. The photos and details are just Great. I would advise anyone that watchs for these beautiful birds to have this as a guide!!

A Photographic Guide to North American Raptors

This is the best photographic guide to north american raptors available. The photos are very clear so you can see details on plumage. It also includes multiple photos of the species that have morphs, which is very helpful in the field. This is not a book I would recommend if you are using it for written reference. But I give it 5 stars for a field reference guide!

Useful field guide, shows variability of morphs

This is simply the best field guide for North American diurnal raptors that I have seen. Unlike some other photgraphic guides, it provides several images of each species in poses that one is likely to see in the field: perched and soaring from above and the side (showing field marks of top of wing and tail). It shows several examples of different morphs and ages for most birds. This is critical in understanding the variability in markings within a species. In addition, it has a section on field identification problems, detailing differences between similar looking birds. To my knowledge, there is no substitute.However, the paperback version is somewhat cheaply produced. The publisher should improve the binding and the quality of paper for this book. Try not to get it wet.