On this page

Montana

The books are arranged by publication date with the most recent at the top of the page.

USA

USA bird books

Birds of Montana

Jeffrey S. Marks, Paul Hendricks, Daniel Casey

2016

"Accounts for each of the 433 species of birds documented in Montana between statehood in 1889 and January 1, 2016. Birds of Montana is the first comprehensive reference on the state's birds since Saunders published A Distributional List of the Birds of Montana in 1921, and it is the only work that provides a thorough review of the status, distribution, relative abundance, ecology, and conservation of the 433 bird species that have been found in the state since Montana entered the Union in 1889. Introductory chapters describe Montana's geography, topography, and habitat types; thoroughly review the vast historical literature on the state's birds beginning with the journals of Lewis and Clark; and summarize conservation issues and actions that will affect the health of bird populations for decades to come. Detailed species accounts provide a range map for selected species and summarize information under the subheadings Status and Occurrence, Habitat, Conservation, Historical Notes, Contemporary Work, and Banded Birds."

Birding Trails: Montana

Chuck Robbins

2016

" Chuck Robbins has spent 20 years traveling the state birding and wildlife watching. Chuck has divided the state into six regions: Glacier Country, Southwest Montana, Central Montana, Yellowstone Country, Missouri River Country, and Southeast Montana. Chuck describes each of the birding locations, the key birds, the best seasons for birding, and the area description along with driving directions and GPS coordinates. There are six regional maps showing the birding locations in each region, along with over 70 maps of individual locations. More than 100 outstanding color photos of key birds are included."

Western Birds: Backyard Guide

Bill Thompson III

2013

"Inside, you'll find profiles of the 55 most common birds in the West, complete with large color photos, gender-specific physical descriptions, nesting and feeding information, bird call particulars, and interesting stories about each species. Thompson also introduces the reader to the basics of bird watching: essential gear, bird-friendly food and plantings, housing tips, and observational techniques. This guide covers Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, California, Alaska, and western Texas."

A Field Guide to Wildlife of the Rocky Mountains

Halle Flygare

2013

"Field Guide to Wildlife of the Rocky Mountains is a must have for any visitor to the Rocky Mountain region of British Columbia, Alberta, Montana and Idaho. Featuring over a hundred superb full-colour photos, this pamphlet provides an essential look at the variety of animals one is most likely to encounter on the area's park trails and roadsides. Information on the size of each animal, as well as the common and Latin names makes it easy to identify wildlife. Similar species are grouped by appearance for easy comparison. Handy on the trails, A Field Guide to Wildlife of the Rocky Mountains is also the perfect souvenir of the abundance of wildlife to be found in the Rocky Mountains."

Birds of the Northern Rocky Mountains: A Guide to Common and Notable Species

Greg R. Homel

2012

"Birds of the Northern Rockies is a quick and easy-to-use, lightweight, durable, all-weather field guide to the remarkable and varied birdlife inhabiting the northern Rocky Mountains region within the US states of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, in addition to the adjacent Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. Stunning digital photographs depict 125 species of common and notable birds, enabling users to identify nearly every commonly occurring bird and regional specialty they encounter - day or night - within the guide's remarkable area of coverage. Aimed at beginning and intermediate birders, the guide will easily fit into any daypack, pocket or glove compartment, facilitating spontaneous and easy field identification - whether in a backyard, on a family vacation, or on a serious birding trip to the best birding hot spots within Wyoming's Yellowstone N.P., Montana's Glacier N.P., Idaho's myriad national forests, or Canada's Jasper N.P and beyond, all within the beautiful northern Rocky Mountains region."

Rocky Mountain Birds: Birds and Birding in the Central and Northern Rockies

Paul A. Johnsgard

2011

"This book is in part based on the author's earlier Birds of the Rocky Moun­tains (1986, revised 2009), but over a third of the original text has been eliminated. The rest has been updated, expanded and modified to be less technical and more useful to birders in the field. Bird enthusiasts will find viewing loca­tions and updated contact information for hundreds of sites in Wy­oming, Colorado, Montana, Idaho, Alberta, and British Columbia. Part 1 outlines the habitats, ecology, and bird geography of the Rocky Mountains north of the New Mexico–Colorado border, including recent changes in the ecology and avifauna of the region. It provides detailed lists of major birding locations and guidance about where to search for specific Rocky Mountain birds. Part 2 considers all 328 regional species individually, with information on their status, habitats and ecology, suggested viewing locations, and population. Includes 3 maps and 11 drawings by the author."

Birds of the Rocky Mountains

Paul A. Johnsgard

2009

This is a revised, electronic edition of a book that was originally published in 1986. This electronic edition contains a new "Supplement" of approximately 12,000 words, updating the species accounts and the technical literature, including all those species that have undergone changes in their vernacular or Latin names, have had important changes in ranges, or have shown statistically significant population trends or conservation status warranting mention. The update also includes six additional species.

"This comprehensive reference work ...describes in detail 354 species found in a 353,000 square mile area, from the 40th parallel in Colorado north to the 52nd parallel in Canada; from the western border of Idaho to the eastern boundaries of Montana and Wyoming."

Birds of the Inland Northwest and Northern Rockies: Idaho, Eastern Washington & Oregon, West Montana

Harry Nehls, Mike Denny, Dave Trochlell

2008

"Birds of the Inland Northwest and Northern Rockies is an identification guide for the birds of the Eastern Washington, Eastern Oregon, all of Idaho and Western Montana. The Species Account pages provide color photographs of over 260 local birds and have a companion page with key information about each bird."

Wings over Montana: A Celebration of Wild Birds

Donald M. Jones

2006

"Acclaimed wildlife photographer Donald M. Jones loves the outdoors and its creatures, but he has a special passion for birds. And he's outdone himself with this photographic collection devoted entirely to Montana's feathered residents. Jones' exquisite camera work portrays birds' behaviors and unique charm. Daniel Casey provides an informative foreword and chapter introductions."

Montana Birds

Caleb Putnam and Gregory Kennedy

2005

"This compact guide profiles 150 of Montana's most abundant or notable bird species, illustrated in color. You'll also find range maps, a quick reference guide that is organized into color-coded family groupings and a map of the state's best birding sites. The book includes a glossary of terms, birder's checklist and separate indexes for scientific and common names. It also features a handy color-coded guide to the bird groups on the back cover to help with quick reference when in the field."

Birds of the Great Plains: Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas

Bob Jennings, Ted Cable and Roger Burrows

2005

"Encounter 325 of the most common or notable birds found in the Great Plains states, presented with beautiful full-color illustrations and comprehensive notes on habitat, nesting, feeding and voice, as well as best sites for viewing. 312 color illustrations, 313 maps."

Common Birds of Montana & Idaho

J. Duane Sept

2004

Birds of Montana: Field Guide

Stan Tekiela

2004

"Learn about and identify birds using Stan Tekiela's state-by-state field guides. The full-page, color photos are incomparable and include insets of winter plumage, color morphs and more. Plus, with the easy-to-use format, you don't need to know a bird's name or classification in order to easily find it in the book. Using this field guide is a real pleasure. It's a great way for anyone to learn about the birds in your state."

Birds in Place: A Habitat-based Field Guide to Birds of the Northern Rockies

Radd Icenoggle

2003

"This habitat-based guide is written for both novice and long-time birders to use in the Northern Rockies. Color photographs illustrate the species and graphics supply information on seasonality, migration, behavior, and ranges. Text includes physical description, breeding behaviors, habits, and especially what habitat features to look for when seeking a particular species."

Faces of the Great Plains: Prairie Wildlife

Bob Gress and Paul A. Johnsgard

2003

"The Great Plains are America's biological melting pot, drawing creatures from surrounding regions to create a rich diversity of wildlife. This book illuminates the enormous variety and uniqueness of prairie wildlife - featuring 150 of the most interesting and important species."

Raptors of the Rockies

Kate Davis

2002

Birding Montana: Your Guide To 45 Premier Birding Locations

Terry McEneaney

Falcon Press

1999

"Written by Terry McEneaney, the staff ornithologist for Yellowstone National Park and one of the most respected birders in Montana, this useful and comprehensive guide is loaded with information on Montana specialties, migration paths, and seasonal availability. This book takes you on a tour of the best birding sites from the west slope of the Rock Mountains to the eastern prairies, including Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks."

Field Guide to the Rocky Mountain States: Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado

Peter Alden and John Grassy

Knopf

1998

"Filled with concise descriptions and stunning photographs, the National Audubon Society Field Guide to the Rocky Mountain States belongs in the home of every Rocky Mountain resident and in the suitcase or backpack of every visitor. This compact volume contains: an easy-to-use field guide for identifying 1,000 of the state's wildflowers, trees, mushrooms, mosses, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, butterflies, mammals, and much more; a complete overview of the Rocky Mountain region's natural history, covering geology, wildlife habitats, ecology, fossils, rocks and minerals, clouds and weather patterns, and the night sky; and an extensive sampling of the area's best parks, preserves, mountains, forests, and wildlife sanctuaries, with detailed descriptions and visitor information for 50 sites and notes on dozens of others."

Watchable Birds of the Rocky Mountains

Mary Taylor Gray

1997

"If you have been charmed or intrigued by birds, would like to know more about them, but don't consider yourself a 'birdwatcher,' then this book is for you. Designed for families, tourists, casual nature lovers, and anyone who enjoys birds and wildlife, 'Watchable Birds of the Rocky Mountains' goes beyond identification to reveal the 'private lives' of our feathered friends. This fun yet informative guide covers the Rocky Mountain region of New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, British Columbia, and Alberta. Contents: How to Use this Book; How to Watch Birds; Wildlife Watching; Ethics and Etiquette; Birds of the Plains; Birds of the Wetlands;and Birds of the Mountains."

Birds of the Rocky Mountains

Chris C. Fisher

1997

"323 common and interesting species of birds found in the Rocky Mountains region are brought to life by colorful illustrations and detailed descriptive text. Species accounts include characteristics for quick identification."

Montana: Wildlife Viewing Guide

Carol & Hank Fischer

2nd edition

1995

"Where-to guide to 109 viewing sites of the best locations to watch wildlife including mammals and birds in their natural environment."

The Smithsonian Guides to Natural America: The Northern Rockies

Thomas Schmidt, Jeremy Schmidt

1995

"Covers the national parks, wilderness preserves, and public and private sanctuaries of the Northern Rockies, providing full-color maps, clear directions, addresses and phone numbers, and traveling advice."

The Visitor's Guide to the Birds of the Rocky Mountain National Park

Ronald H. Wauer

1994

Shorebirds of the Pacific Northwest

Dennis Paulson

University of Washington Press

1993

"Embracing an area from the northern tip of Vancouver Island in British Columbia through Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and western Montana, Shorebirds of the Pacific Northwest includes the latest information about 62 documented and 16 potential species. Finely detailed drawings and color photographs emphasize diagnostic features."

Field Guide to the Bald Eagle

The Audubon Society

1991

"Not many people know that they can seek out bald eagles here in the Northwest where we have large populations of them. This book stresses the need for habitat protection and responsible bird-watching practices while enabling one to behold the impressive sight of a bald eagle on the wing. Proceeds of this book help support the Audubon Society."

The Compact Guide to Birds of the Rockies

Geoffrey Holroyd and Howard Coneybeare

1989

"This habitat-based guide includes unusual and useful notes for more than 100 birds. Its convenient size and full-page color illustrations make this guide a must for your backpack."

Birds of the Rocky Mountains

Paul A. Johnsgard

1986

"This comprehensive reference work ...describes in detail 354 species found in a 353,000 square mile area, from the 40th parallel in Colorado north to the 52nd parallel in Canada; from the western border of Idaho to the eastern boundaries of Montana and Wyoming...Here a visitor to any of the major national parks in the Rocky Mountain region can have quick access to the abundance and seasonality of a given species. In addition, a comprehensive introduction describes the predominant life zones of the region, and over a dozen maps illustrate such significant features as precipitation patterns, vegetation community types, and major physiographic provinces.The book is well written and an essential guide for the birder who visits the Rockies."

Birds of the Northern Rockies

Tom J. Ulrich

1984

"For the hiker, traveler, or kitchen-window bird-watcher. This book covers the northern Rockies from Alberta to Wyoming. More than 220 color photographs illustrate descriptions of 170 bird species. Includes tips for observing and photographing birds."

A Distributional List of the Birds of Montana with Notes on the Migration and Nesting of the Better Known Species

Aretas A. Saunders

Cooper Ornithological Society

1921

From the introduction:

"TheE ornithology of Montana, as compared with that of most other western states, is still in a primitive condition. While the earliest explorations and reports were made at about the same time as those of other western states, ornithological work since that time has not kept pace with what has been done elsewhere. Settlement of the state, until recently, has been slow, and there have been comparatively few resident ornithologists. Little collecting has been done. Sets of specimens are almost unknown. Most of the specimens .that have been collected are scattered through private collections. The results of much of this field work have never been published, and when they have, identifications have often been rather loosely made. For these reasons the present list cannot compare in either completeness or detailed accuracy with other recently published state lists. There is much of importance yet to be learned of the local distribution of even the commoner species. Subspecific status is in many cases unsettled. The future will probably see mauy changes and additions on the basis of the present list, and it is hoped that, its publication will stimulate work that will sooner bring these changes to accomplishment."