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Princeton Photographic Guides

The books are listed by publication date with the most recent at the top.

Princeton University Press pages on this site

Birds of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East: A Photographic Guide

Frédéric Jiguet, Aurélien Audevard

Princeton University Press

2017

"The first comprehensive pocket-sized photographic field guide to every bird species in Europe - this includes winter visitors and common migrants but also all rarities to the region, even if they have been recorded only once. The guide also covers hypothetical species - those that have a good chance of being recorded due to such factors as range expansion and changing weather patterns. The book's 2,200 stunning color photographs mean that every species is pictured, making field identification quick and easy. Succinct text covers key identification features, voice, habitat, and distribution, and distribution maps are provided for regular breeding species. Particular attention and details are given to help differentiate similar-looking species. Lavishly illustrated, up-to-date, and wide-ranging, Birds of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East is an essential field guide for every naturalist and birder."

A Photographic Field Guide to Birds of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh

Bikram Grewal, Sumit Sen, Sarwandeep Singh, Nikhil Devasar, Garima Bhatia

Princeton University Press

2017

Originally published by Om Book in 2016 as A Pictorial Field Guide to Birds of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

"This is the only comprehensive photographic field guide to the birds of the entire Indian subcontinent. Every distinct species and subspecies--some 1,375 in all--is covered with photographs, text, and maps. The guide features more than 4,000 stunning photographs, many never before published, which have been carefully selected to illustrate key identification features of each species. The up-to-date facing-page text includes concise descriptions of plumage, voice, range, habitat, and recent taxonomic changes. Each species has a detailed map reflecting the latest distribution information and containing notes on status and population density. The guide also features an introduction that provides an overview of birdlife and a brief history of ornithology in India and its neighbors. The result is an encyclopedic photographic guide that is essential for everyone birding anywhere in the subcontinent.

Birds of Western Ecuador: A Photographic Guide

Nick Athanas & Paul J. Greenfield

2016

"Here is the ultimate photographic guide to the spectacular birds of this region. Featuring nearly 1,500 stunning color photos of 946 species, this richly detailed and taxonomically sophisticated field guide will help you with even the toughest identification challenges. Species accounts, photos, and color distribution maps appear side by side, making it easier than ever to find what you are looking for, whether you are in the field or preparing for your trip."

Birds of Australia: A Photographic Guide

Iain Campbell, Sam Woods, Nick Leseberg

2014

"Australia is home to a spectacular diversity of birdlife, from parrots and penguins to emus and vibrant passerines. Birds of Australia covers all 714 species of resident birds and regularly occurring migrants and features more than 1,100 stunning color photographs, including many photos of subspecies and plumage variations never before seen in a field guide. Detailed facing-page species accounts describe key identification features such as size, plumage, distribution, behavior, and voice. This one-of-a-kind guide also provides extensive habitat descriptions with a large number of accompanying photos. The text relies on the very latest IOC taxonomy and the distribution maps incorporate the most current mapping data, making this the most up-to-date guide to Australian birds."

A Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand

Julian Fitter and Don merton

2012

"A Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand contains over 600 stunning photographs of the more than 350 bird species likely to be seen in this area of the world. Comprehensive and compact, the book includes full descriptions of all native species and regular visitors, distribution maps and measurements, key information on national parks, and useful information on ongoing conservation efforts in the country. Filled with handy tips for nature enthusiasts wanting to make the most of their trip, this is the only bird guide that anyone exploring this region will need."

Petrels, Albatrosses, and Storm-Petrels of North America: A Photographic Guide

Steve N. G. Howell

2012

"Petrels, albatrosses, and storm-petrels are among the most beautiful yet least known of all the world's birds, living their lives at sea far from the sight of most people. Largely colored in shades of gray, black, and white, these enigmatic and fast-flying seabirds can be hard to differentiate, particularly from a moving boat. Useful worldwide, not just in North America, this photographic guide is based on unrivaled field experience and combines insightful text and hundreds of full-color images to help you identify these remarkable birds.

The first book of its kind, this guide features an introduction that explains ocean habitats and the latest developments in taxonomy. Detailed species accounts describe key identification features such as flight manner, plumage variation related to age and molt, seasonal occurrence patterns, and migration routes. Species accounts are arranged into groups helpful for field identification, and an overview of unique identification challenges is provided for each group. The guide also includes distribution maps for regularly occurring species as well as a bibliography, glossary, and appendixes."

A Field Guide to the Wildlife of South Georgia

Robert Burton and John Croxall

2012

"South Georgia is rich in wildlife and spectacular scenery, and it is a prime destination spot on most Antarctic tours. This beautifully illustrated field guide depicts the birds, mammals, insects, flowering plants, and other vegetation found in this unique part of the world. It features 368 full-color photographs of more than 180 species, including 65 species of birds, 20 species of sea mammals, nearly 60 species of insects, and more than 40 species of flowering and nonflowering plants. Detailed species accounts describe key identification features, with information on status, behavior, threats, and distribution. This one-of-a-kind photographic guide also includes introductory chapters on South Georgia's geography, climate, ecology, and conservation."

Hawks at a Distance: Identification of Migrant Raptors

Jerry Liguori

Princeton University Press

2011

"The ultimate must-have guide for identifying migrant raptors, Hawks at a Distance is the first volume to focus on distant raptors as they are truly seen in the field. Jerry Liguori, a leading expert on North American raptors, factors in new information and approaches for identifying twenty-nine species of raptor in various lighting situations and settings. The field guide's nineteen full-color portraits, 558 color photos, and 896 black-and-white images portray shapes and plumages for each species from all angles. Useful flight identification criteria are provided and the accompanying text discusses all aspects of in-flight hawk identification, including flight style and behavior. Concentrating on features that are genuinely observable at a distance, this concise and practical field guide is ideal for any aspiring or experienced hawk enthusiast."

A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Jamaica

Ann Haynes-Sutton, Audrey Downer, Robert Sutton, & Yves-Jacques Rey-Millet

2009

"Jamaica is home to more than 300 bird species, including about 25 endemics, making the island one of today's most desirable birding destinations. A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Jamaica covers every species, including vagrants, and is specially designed for easy, at-a-glance reference in the field. This unique illustrated guide features 650 stunning color photographs as well as detailed species accounts that describe key identification features, voice, habitat, confusion species, status, and distribution. There is also a distribution map for resident and migrant birds. On the bookshelf or in the coat pocket, this is a one-of-a-kind photographic guide to the birds of Jamaica."

Birds of Eastern North America: A Photographic Guide

Paul Sterry and Brian E. Small

2009

"Combining informative and accessible text, up-to-date maps, and - above all - stunning color photographs, this is the best and most lavishly illustrated photographic guide to the birds of eastern North America. All of the images have been carefully selected to convey both the sheer beauty and the key identification features of each bird, and many of the photos are larger than those found in other guides. Wherever possible, a variety of plumages are pictured, providing visual coverage and usefulness matching any artwork-illustrated field guide. And many of the images are state-of-the-art digital photographs by Brian Small, one of North America's finest bird photographers. These pictures, many seen here for the first time, reproduce a previously unimaginable level of detail. Finally, the ranges of nearly all species are shown on maps from the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, the authority on North American birding."

Birds of Western North America: A Photographic Guide

Paul Sterry and Brian E. Small

2009

"Combining informative and accessible text, up-to-date maps, and - above all - stunning color photographs, this is the best and most lavishly illustrated photographic guide to the birds of western North America. All of the images have been carefully selected to convey both the sheer beauty and the key identification features of each bird, and many of the photos are larger than those found in other guides. Wherever possible, a variety of plumages are pictured, providing visual coverage and usefulness matching any artwork-illustrated field guide. And many of the images are state-of-the-art digital photographs by Brian Small, one of North America's finest bird photographers. These pictures, many seen here for the first time, reproduce a previously unimaginable level of detail. Finally, the ranges of nearly all species are shown on maps from the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, the authority on North American birding."

Shorebirds of North America, Europe, and Asia: A Photographic Guide

Richard Chandler

2009

"Shorebirds are prized among birders for their stunning plumages, evocative calls and songs, extensive migration patterns, and the unique challenges they pose for identification. Shorebirds of North America, Europe, and Asia is an illustrated guide to all 134 shorebird species found in the Northern Hemisphere, written by one of the world's leading shorebird experts. It features more than 850 stunning color photographs and a color distribution map for every species. Detailed species accounts describe key identification features, age and sex differences, variations in plumage, similar species, status, habitat, and distribution. This easy-to-use guide also includes comprehensive primers on plumage patterns and terminology, molting, feeding and other behaviors, and much more. This premier illustrated guide is suitable for field use and a must-have for armchair naturalists."

Tanagers, Cardinals, and Finches of the United States and Canada: The Photographic Guide

David Beadle and J.D. Rising

2006

"This is the first comprehensive photographic identification guide to tanagers, cardinals, and finches. Many of North America's finest bird and wildlife photographers have supplied a stunning collection of images, some of which depict plumages rarely available in other publications. The 200 photographs have been carefully selected to illustrate age, seasonal, and sexual variation in all of the species found north of Mexico, including introduced species and vagrants. The text is designed to introduce the reader to the biology, identification, molts, vocalization, and distribution of the forty-six species covered. Each photograph is accompanied by a caption outlining relevant identification features, and original range maps illustrate the distributions of all the species that regularly occur north of Mexico."

Birds and Mammals of the Falkland Islands

Robin W. and Anne Woods

2006

"A comprehensive photographic guide to the Falkland Islands, covering the regularly occurring birds and mammals most likely to be encountered on and in the waters immediately surrounding the islands. Forty-three plates from Islander Alan Henry are accompanied by text giving the key identification features for each species along with notes on habitat, population and conservation status."

Hawks from Every Angle: How to Identify Raptors in Flight

Jerry Liguori

Princeton University Press

2005

"Hawks from Every Angle takes hawk identification to new heights. It offers a fresh approach that literally looks at the birds from every angle, compares and contrasts deceptively similar species, and provides the pictures (and words) needed for identification in the field. Jerry Liguori pinpoints innovative, field-tested identification traits for each species from the various angles that they are seen. Featuring 339 striking color photos on 68 color plates and 32 black and white photos, Hawks from Every Angle is unique in presenting a host of meticulously crafted pictures for each of the 19 species it covers in detail - the species most common to migration sites throughout the United States and Canada. All aspects of raptor identification are discussed, including plumage, shape, and flight style traits."

Shorebirds of North America: The Photographic Guide

Dennis Paulson

2005

"Identifying shorebirds can be a challenge - and having a field guide specifically devoted to the species gives any birder an edge. Yet until now, no guide has illustrated or described the complete range of North and Central American shorebirds. Dennis Paulson's book more than corrects that deficiency. This beautifully illustrated volume represents the first complete guide to North and Central American shorebirds ever published. Unlike other guide books, which have traditionally relied on paintings to represent shorebirds, this one contains an extensive series of striking photographs - most never published before. More than 530 photos illustrate all shorebird species in their varied plumage, and are accompanied by text that points out the variation within common species. The book also includes identification tips and ways for distinguishing shorebirds from all similar species, at rest and in flight. Brief descriptions of voice, behavior, habitat, and range are given for each species."

Hummingbirds of North America: The Photographic Guide

Steve N.G. Howell

2005

"This book is the first ever, comprehensive photographic guide to the identification of all 24 species of hummingbirds to be seen as breeders or vagrants in North America. For all their startling colors, the speed of hummingbird flight and the often drab coloration of females and immatures make this group especially difficult to deal with in the field. The simple field marks are often poorly lit, hard to spot, or simply not shown by any particular individual under observation. But accurate identification of these popular and beautiful birds brings both real satisfaction and a welcome challenge to most birders. Steve Howell, a well-known and respected bird tour leader and author, has made a particular study of the finer points of hummingbird recognition and has specially chosen over 200 stunning photographs to complement the information given in his text. Some species feature as many as 14 photographs each. A detailed introduction covers the basics of hummingbird anatomy and plumage variation, allowing the observer to effectively focus on points that are of value in the field. New field marks are provided and old myths dispelled in this ground breaking and essential new guide."

A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Indonesia

Morten Strange

2003

"The first comprehensive photographic guide to the birds of Indonesia ever available, this superb volume covers 686 species in one of the world's most diverse avifauna regions. The highlight of this book is its almost 700 stunning color photographs - many appearing here for the first time. But the book also contains many other useful features, including distribution maps for all species covered and a concise but thorough text. The volume's design places photographs, text, and maps in close proximity to provide an excellent at-a-glance overview."

A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Southeast Asia: Including the Philippines and Borneo

Morten Strange

2003

"This is the very first comprehensive photographic guide to the birds of mainland Southeast Asia, the Philippines, and Borneo, including the birds of Peninsular Malaysia, Thailand, Indochina, South China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Covering 668 species, the volume contains a distribution map for each species in addition to more than 700 brilliant color photographs, many appearing here for the first time. The photographs are complemented by a concise text providing all the information needed to accurately identify species in one of the world's richest avifauna regions. Given the notorious difficulty of photographing rainforest birds, this book represents a major achievement. It is an ideal volume for travelers to the region as well as for all bird lovers."

A Photographic Guide to the Birds of India: Including Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Pakistan, Bangladesh & Bhutan

Bikram Grewal, Bill Harvey and Otto Pfister

2003

"This is the most comprehensive photographic guide to the birds of India and the Indian subcontinent. Never before have so many of the region's species been illustrated in one book. The brilliant photographs - most of which appear here for the first time - have been carefully selected to show not only the most common Passerine and non-Passerine species, but also more elusive species and distinctive subspecies. An up-to-date distribution map and a unique code indicating frequency and global status are provided for each of the 668 species covered. The concise text provides vital information on habitats, habits, and voice to ensure accurate identification. Designed for easy use, the book places photos and maps in close proximity to provide an at-a-glance overview for each species. Birds are indexed by both their common and scientific names. This is an essential volume for all birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts as well as for anyone traveling to India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Bhutan."

A Photographic Guide to North American Raptors

William S. Clark and Brian K. Wheeler

2003

"Whether soaring or perched, diurnal birds of prey often present challenging identification problems for the bird enthusiast. Variable plumage, color morphs, and unique individual characteristics are just some of the factors bird watchers must consider when identifying the different species. In this authoritative reference, two of the world's top experts on raptors provide an essential guide to the variations in the species, allowing for easier recognition of key identification points. All the distinguishing marks described have been exhaustively tested in a wide range of field conditions by the authors as well as the colleagues and students who have learned from them. Includes 365 photographs, each with an explanatory caption and supporting text describing all 43 species of diurnal raptors found in North America; 14 discussions of specific problems in practical identification; and raptor I.D. problem section showing similar species side by side."

Sparrows of the United States and Canada: The Photographic Guide

David Beadle & James Rising

2001

"This companion volume to the previous, widely acclaimed Guide to the Identification and Natural History of the Sparrows of the United States and Canada takes sparrow identification one step further. The authors have gathered a stunning selection of over 350 photographs as a basis for the identification of all 64 taxa of emberizine sparrows found in the region. Never before has such a comprehensive collection of sparrow photos been presented together in a single guide. The supporting text gives detailed information on the identification of species, sexes, ages, races, and forms of all the sparrows, towhees, juncos, buntings and longspurs, grassquits and seedeaters, as well as information on their distribution, habits, habitats, molt, and voice. Particular attention is paid to the geographic variation found in many species and to comparisons with similar and confusing species. The conservation status of those that are threatened is also given due attention. The photographs include contributions from many of America's finest bird photographers, and many were taken especially for this book. All fine portraits in themselves, they have been chosen specifically to illustrate the identification pointers described in the text. Each is captioned with full details of the photographer and the place and time at which the photo was taken. Also included are line drawings of identification details such as wing and tail feathers and beaks, as well as distribution maps."

Herons and Egrets of the World: A Photographic Journey

James Hancock

1999

"In this book, the only complete review of the world's herons currently in print, James Hancock distills his knowledge into a concise review of all 47 species and recognized subspecies. The text comprises a thumbnail sketch, including descriptions of the appearance, distribution, conservation status, feeding, and breeding ecology of each species. Over 150 wonderful color photographs, most by the author, show all the recognizable forms of each species, illustrating the variety and beauty of these birds. As a valuable reference and a fine photo collection, this book will find a place on the shelves of bird lovers everywhere."

Herons of North America: Their World in Focus

James Hancock

1999

"Herons, the graceful predators of swamps, wetlands and lake margins, are often the abiding memory for bird lovers after a days birding in the marshes. For the general nature lover, they are a portrait symbol of the wild free places and the grandeur of the natural world. North American herons live in a complex world. Most of them congregate in colonies either large or small, and they are joined by many birds that share their nesting sites. Most of these different species live together in harmony, but inevitably such gatherings attract predators and scavengers. James Hancock, a veteran traveler and lover of herons the world over, gives a pocket guide in words and photographs to the lives of these birds and their, sadly, often endangered habitats. The book seeks to describe the many and varied creatures that make up the world of the herons."

Seabirds of the World: A Photographic Guide

Peter Harrison

1997

"This pocket-sized guide, now back in print in the United States, is unprecedented in its concept of illustrating photographically the more than 321 species of seabirds in the world. It comprises an exciting collection of over 740 seabird photographs by more than 300 of the world's leading seabird photographers and researchers. The majority of these photographs have never been published before, and include pictures of some of the rarest and most enigmatic birds in the world - species such as the recently discovered Amsterdam Albatross, the Chinese Black-headed Gull, the Relict Gull, and the near-extinct Short-tailed Albatross. Of special value are the flight shots of some of the most difficult-to-identify groups of birds. "Seabirds of the World" represents easily the largest and most complete collection of seabird photographs ever published. It is complemented by a highly readable and succinct text intended to aid identification in the field."