Comprehensive handbook to the birds of North America includes all the birds known to breed in the US and Canada as well as regular visitors and vagrants. Each full-page species profile combines a precise description, annotated photographs, and artworks to highlight the key field marks of the adult male, as well as the female, juvenile, and fall or winter plumages if they differ significantly from the male. Similar species are shown and their distinguishing characteristics are noted. Further information on the bird's habits describes the typical song and other vocalizations, behavior, breeding, nesting, population, and conservation concerns. Typical flight patterns and nest locations and shapes are described with easy-to-use icons and amplified in the text. Each bird's range during summer, winter, and on migration is clearly shown on a map.