Review – National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America [6th Edition]

The National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America, Sixth Edition is a beautiful guide as expected from all the other editions of this guide and all the works done by National Geographic.

The 6th edition adds 23 new species, updated classification according to the AOU checklist, and includes every bird species found in North America (which includes all the really rare ones!).

The illustrations are beautiful and a balance of artistic value and identification assistance. Both are well appreciated because the beauty will attract newer birders and the completeness of the art aids in identification.

View our Guide to Birding Field Guides article for more field guides.

The range maps are simple and easy to read and understand. The text is thorough without being overwhelming and explains what to look for, and includes range/habitat info and songs.

The 6th edition has a quick-find index which is on the inside covers and provides an overview of bird families and the pages they’re found.

While the National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America, Sixth Edition isn’t the perfect guide for identification, it is an excellent field guide and an attractive book to give to budding birders and long-time naturalists.

Disclaimer: We received a copy of this book free from the publisher to review on Birdfreak.com.