From its first publication, Birds of North America set a standard for all other bird guides. Its unique combination of clear presentation, accessible design, and usefulness in the field is still unmatched. This revision retains those qualities. It also reflects the latest information about birds found in North America north of Mexico, including recent changes in bird classification and common and scientific names.
This guide draws on the observations of thousands of birders, photographers, and ornithologists, and on the work of those who created the previous editions. Chandler S. Robbins of the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, one of the great pioneers in birding, compiled the original information for this guide and the data for the range maps. His co-author, Bertel Bruun, provided the viewpoint of an accomplished amateur ornithologist. Herbert S. Zim, who originated Golden Guides, furnished the educational expertise that makes this bird guide unique. Artist Arthur Singer created plates that not only show birds as living entities, but include a wealth of other information useful to birders.
Many individuals and organizations helped make the first edition of this guide a success. Eirik A. T. Blom, Daniel Boone, Michael C. J. Carey, James King, R. Guy McCaskie, Jay M. Sheppard, Lester L. Short, Paul W. Sykes, Jr., Robert B. Weeden, and Claudia Wilds made detailed comments on field marks and geographic range. John L. Confer, Elizabeth D. Darlington, Charles R. Smith, Daniel R. Gray III, and Dorothy W. McIlroy read and commented on the manuscript. Richard W. Stallcup read the species accounts and made valuable suggestions. R. Michael Erwin, Mark R. Fuller, and Marshall Howe read the manuscript and Danny Bystrak reviewed the range maps. John Bull, George Watson, and David Bridge provided specimens for the artist.
Our thanks go to these people and to all the others who have provided suggestions and information for this guide.
J.P.L.
K. S. N.