Bird Feathers: A Guide to North American Species

Being a paleontologist, I am aptly informed on the evolution and development of feathers (especially in relation to hair, scales, and flight), and found to my delight that this book has an excellent overview of how feathers originated as well as flight. Well-written and to the point, yet not too scientific to scare away the non-biology oriented readers. The figures are superb - no complaints from me and my own high end photo critiques. The drawings are also well done. Excellent artist selection! All aspects of feathers are discussed and have been found useful for my review (much preferred than going over my graduate school notes and journal articles!). Thank you!However, my greatest joy has been the process of identification of all the feathers I have collected during my recent move to the American Southwest (Arizona). New birds = new feathers. I could easily ID which type of feather I found (which side of bird, which type of flight feather or other types of feathers, etc.), but could not readily ID the bird, particularly since so many in the area are brand new to me. So that is the main reason for my purchase of the book. It has very capably helped me identify nearly all of the the nearly 150 feathers I have collected in a relatively short period of time - hummingbirds (two species), Greater Grackle, doves, finches, pigeons (yes these are everywhere - some feathers are quite beautiful in their hues), and most importantly, my greatest find - a Great Horned Owl feather! I found the last lying on the street as I walked to the mailbox! I knew it was an owl by its general structure, but which owl caused me a great deal of time researching for information to confirm which one. Finally, I discovered this book, ordered it, and upon its immediate arrival I quickly located the owl section and found it to be a Great Horned Owl. Interestingly, the book even had a picture the exact same feather even from the same side of the bird. I am excited to ID the remaining feathers that I have found and hope to continue this new-found hobby. Having a water fountain and hummingbird feeder in the backyard has been a great help in drawing in area birds and the myriad of feathers left behind. This is the perfect book for those that enjoy birds and feathers. A must-have for your library!

We moved and I lost the first copy so ordered the 2nd copy. I have a Young Birders Club -- 6 kids all about 9 years old now. This book and feathers they found enabled me to create a Feather Module for the club and the kids loved being able to use the ruler guide and sort through possible matches.It is one of the best birding books I have EVER EVER used or owned.

“. . . since the age of our early hominid ancestors, we have been drawn to feathers as symbols of something powerful and mysterious.”This is an incomparable, comprehensive compendium. The authors have collected feathers from hundreds of bird species. They are arranged in a consistent and helpful order from primary wing to tail, with breast through rump feathers for most birds. The first 66 pages are informative, explaining feather origins and morphology, and the anatomy of birds and their feathers. This section alone is worth the price of admission. The photographs are clear and close to see the detail of not only patterns but also feather characteristics. There are beautiful illustrations to heighten your understanding. One does not need to be an accomplished birder to benefit from this guide, but even accomplished birders will find it to be an important addition to their guide collection.With feather in hand, one learns to identify where the feather originated, whether wing or tail or body, and even determine the bird’s style of flight. And, with continued practice and a little luck, identify the bird that dropped this feather as it passed by your area. Without a particular feather to identify, one can simply browse and marvel at the incredible variety and yet similarity of feathers and feather types among the birds of this world.Scott Weidensaul wrote that birding is “a celebration of the creature that makes it all possible — the small, contained miracle that is a bird.” Finding a feather of one of these small contained miracles and being able to discern its origin is in itself a celebration! The joy and pleasure of learning about feathers is waiting for you in this unique and useful resource.

This is an excellent resource. My first copy "grew legs" and walked away with another bird enthusiast. Definitely one to keep around!

Great book. Being a volunteer naturalist I get pictures sent to me often of feathers asking if I know what species it came from, This book makes the job so much easier

Lo volvería a conseguir

There are dozens and dozens of bird guides but this guide to the feathers of birds takes a unique angle. I’ll bet your bird friends don’t have this book and would love it!

Unica pecca è che le foto sono troppo piccole e quindi non è possibile apprezzare i dettagli, fondamentali x il riconoscimento, delle penne e piume

An excellent publication with good explanations of key features and useful reference material. Look forward to a British/European version!!

found some feathers on a trail--found them in the book and was able to ID them easily. Highly recommend this book!