Hummingbirds of North America (Peterson Field Guide)

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The classic, most comprehensive field guide to identifying hummingbirds--nature's smallest and most stunning bird species.

 

Covering 31 North American species, with more than 250 color photos and 33 maps, this is the ultimate guide to hummingbirds. Introductory chapters cover the natural history of hummingbirds, ways to attract and feed them, and major hot spots in the United States and Canada for observing these fascinating birds. Color plates illustrate 28 species, 7 hybrid combinations, 3 forms of albinism, and 4 species of sphinx moths often mistaken for hummingbirds. Species accounts provide in-depth information on plumage, molt, songs and calls, wing sounds, similar species, behavior, habitat, distribution, taxonomy, and conservation concerns. Detailed, up-to-date range maps show breeding, non-breeding, and year-round distribution, migration routes, and records outside expected areas of occurrence. For a few widespread migratory species, separate maps illustrate expected spring arrival dates.

 

For more than 85 years, Peterson Field Guides have set the standard by which other field guides are measured. Comprehensive and authoritative, they are essential additions to any naturalist's bookshelf or backpack.



Williamson's book is a comprehensive treatment, accurate enough to satisfy professionals and accessible to the lay reader. Birding

 

It needs to be on the shelf and in the pocket of every bird watcher in North America. Bird Watcher's Digest



Table of Contents:
List of Plates ix

 

Introduction 1 What Is a Hummingbird? 5 Natural History of North American Hummingbirds 8 Watching Hummingbirds 33 How to Identify Hummingbirds 39 Parts of a Hummingbird 42 How to Use This Book 43 PLATES 49

 

SPECIES ACCOUNTS 113 Wedge-tailed Sabrewing 115 Green Violet-ear 118 Green-breasted Mango 122 Antillean Crested Hummingbird 126 Golden-crowned Emerald 128 Canivet's Emerald 130 Cuban Emerald 132 Broad-billed Hummingbird 136 White-eared Hummingbird 141 Xantus's Hummingbird 145 Berylline Hummingbird 148 Rufous-tailed Hummingbird 151 Buff-bellied Hummingbird 154 Cinnamon Hummingbird 158 Azure-crowned Hummingbird 160 Violet-crowned Hummingbird 163 Amethyst-throated Hummingbird 166 Blue-throated Hummingbird 169 Magnificent Hummingbird 174 Plain-capped Starthroat 178 Bahama Woodstar 181 Lucifer Hummingbird 184 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 188 Black-chinned Hummingbird 194 Anna's Hummingbird 199 Costa's Hummingbird 204 Calliope Hummingbird 208 Bumblebee Hummingbird 213 Broad-tailed Hummingbird 216 Rufous Hummingbird 221 Allen's Hummingbird 226

 

Acknowledgments 233 Glossary 237 List of Nectar Plants 242 Resources for Hummingbird Watchers 245 Bibliography 250 Photo Credits 258 Index 260



ROGER TORY PETERSON, one of the world's greatest naturalists, received every major award for ornithology, natural science, and conservation as well as numerous honorary degrees, medals, and citations, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The Peterson Identification System has been called the greatest invention since binoculars.

Mariner Books

Pub Date: January 10, 2002

0.72" H x 7.48" L x 4.91" W 

280 pages

hardcover