Bird Book Recommendations

If you are an avid bird watcher or you just like to learn about different animals, then you might want to consider adding a bird book to your bookshelf. They can help you to identify local species as well as some endangered ones, should you get the honor of seeing one.
To help give you an idea of some of the most knowledgeable ones, here is a simple list of the five best ones that you can get today along with a FAQ section at the end to help you find what you are looking for.
Top 5: Bird Books Review
Product Image & Rating (Out Of 10) | Product Name | Price |
---|---|---|
This is one of the best books if you are looking for an edition that is thoroughly detailed with species that can be found easily in your area and species that are a little more unique.
It is also one of the few out there that you can find that can come in a digital and physical copy, hardcover and paperback.
Brand new, it can be a little more expensive, even if it is not the collectors' edition, but between its smaller than average size that makes it a bit easier to take on bird watching trips and the availability, this is one of the hardest books to beat.
Pros
Cons
This, like the last book, is mainly about the species in the North American area, but it does have a lesser amount of species than the last book.
However, like the last book, you can get this book in a digital and physical form, both hardcover and paperback, which can be a little more convenient.
You can also get this in the special collector's edition which is a little rare and expensive, but the regular edition is just as high quality and fun to read as the collector's edition, too.
Pros
Cons
This book has a since level of new information with the classic-looking drawings of the birds that are simple but easy to identify.
It only comes in a physical copy (hardcover and softcover) but the information goes far beyond just the birds and their characteristics. The book also contains information about the author's experiences, photographing the birds, and more, too.
Not to mention that it is one of the more affordable editions out there, even the special collector's edition is more affordable than some of the other books out there.
Pros
Cons
Another book by National Geographic, you can get this book in digital or a paperback copy, but because it is one of the older and more affordable editions, it can be one of the harder ones to find out there.
Still, there are amazing pictures and illustrations of the birds throughout the entire book, mostly birds from North America. The layout is also simple enough for most children and teenagers to read and stay interested in, too.
You might have a hard time grinding the collector's edition of this book, though; especially at the price that most sellers have it listed. Still, if you can get your hands on a new (basic edition) copy, then you can enjoy the content of this book for a long while.
Pros
Cons
The last on the list, this book is nearly just as popular as the previous one, but it is a little more expensive while the collector's edition is a bit more affordable; a bit of a flip flop compared to the last book.
Also, this book is not just focused on North American birds, and it contains more information on certain unique and rather rare species that most people do not know about.
You can only get this book in a hardcover physical copy, but the cover is actually quite durable and strong; it can be dropped a few times without taking lots of damage.
Pros
Cons
Best Bird Book
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kind of Bird Book Should You Get?
If you are planning on getting a book that you can use a guide for identifying different species while you are out hiking or bird watching, you may want to try looking for books that have most if not all of the species in that area.
It can also help to get a smaller-sized book so that it is not weighing you down or taking up as much space in your backpack, too.
Otherwise, nearly every other kind of book out there can be a great choice; big, small, thorough, basic, etc.
Should You Get a Newer Book or an Older One?
Newer books can have updated information on certain species' appearance, habits, locations, and more, so if you want the latest information, these are probably the best choice.
Although, brand new books can tend to be a bit more expensive, especially if they are less than a year or two old.
On the other hand, older books can still be just as accurate when it comes to well-known species and information about them. They can also be a bit more affordable than the newer editions, even if some of the information may be a bit outdated.
Should You Get a Physical Copy or an Ebook?
Physical copies can give a classic comfort, and they can be a bit more convenient if you are going on walks or hikes and your phone, tablet, or kindle has a low battery.
However, physical copies do not last as long as digital ones since they can easily be damaged and/or lost. Digital copies can also be accessed across several different devices, making them a bit more convenient to access in multiple locations at any time.
Final Verdict
When it comes to the winner of the best out of these, the top dog would probably be the first book, the National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America by Paul D. Hess and David Bird. It is a rare find to be able to have the book in either a paper or ebook form and contain as much information as it does.
You can click the link above to see if it is small enough for you to be able to use for bird watching, or check out the other books if you already have this one and want a different one to add to your collection.