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Bird books published by or associated with the Smithsonian Institution

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

 

Smithsonian Field Guide to the Birds of North America

Ted Floyd

Harper Collins

2008

"This field guide to North American birds, written by the foremost birding writers, delivers a power-punch of innovation and usability never before brought to together in one reference. With 730 new color maps based on the latest range information (more than any other previous field guide), this title emphasizes on bird behaviour and a 'whole bird' philosophy of field identification. It contains informative essays on each bird group giving vital information regarding behaviour and id tips and robust introduction to birds and birding precedes the species accounts with sections on species I.D., conservation, bird morphometrics, topography, and migration. Vocalisations on the accompanying CD are clearly organised in separate tracks for each species - this is a fantastic advantage that no other collection like this has ever provided. In the past, CD recordings ran species vocalizations together in one long track. The DVD format allows for hundreds of separate tracks - users can listen to a particular vocalization easily and quickly. This is key for learning to I.D. birds by song and for use in the field."

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Remarkable Birds: 100 of the World's Most Notable Birds

Stephen Moss

Smithsonian

2008

"For the first time ever, here is a highly selective list of the 100 most beautiful, glamorous, unusual, and iconic birds the world has ever known. Some are so rare they are on the verge of extinction, while others are so numerous they are literally uncountable. Some are famous for their looks, and others for their lifestyle. But all have exceptional qualities that make them the most sought-after, cherished, and famous birds in the world. In order to create the list for this book, birders and conservationists worldwide were asked to nominate their favorite birds, and give their reasons why these should win a place in this book. The final selections are based upon this truly global list."

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Superdove: How the Pigeon Took Manhattan ... and the World

Courtney Humphries

Smithsonian

2008

"Why do we see pigeons as lowly urban pests and how did they become such common city dwellers? Courtney Humphries traces the natural history of the pigeon, recounting how these shy birds that once made their homes on the sparse cliffs of sea coasts came to dominate our urban public spaces. While detailing this evolution, Humphries introduces us to synanthropy: The concept that animals can become dependent on humans without ceasing to be wild; they can adapt to the cityscape as if it were a field or a forest."

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In Search of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker

Jerome A. Jackson

Smithsonian Books

2004

"A spellbinding history of the one bird every serious birder hopes to find, even as the world doubts its existence In Search of the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker is both a complete natural history of one of the most exciting and rare - perhaps even extinct - birds in the world, and a fascinating personal quest by the world's leading expert on the species. Jerome A. Jackson provides detailed insights into the bird's lifestyle, habitat, and cultural significance, examining its iconic status from the late 1800s to the present in advertising, conservation, and lore. As he relates searches for the bird by John James Audubon, Alexander Wilson, and others, Jackson offers anecdotal tales illuminating the methods of early naturalists, including how Wilson's captive ivory-bill destroys his hotel room in a desperate attempt to escape. Jackson's search for perhaps the last remaining ivory-bill takes him across the United States and into Cuba. He spends hours flying over potential ivory-bill habitat, canoeing through isolated waterways, and trudging through swamps, always playing recorded ivory-bill calls into the wilderness, hoping for a response."

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Birds of the World

Colin Harrison and Alan Greensmith

Smithsonian Handbook

DK Publishing

2002

"Featuring over 800 bird species, this volume is designed to simplify the sometimes complex identification process. Whether in your neighborhood or in the wild, the Smithsonian Handbook of Birds of the World enables you to spot and recognize birds easily. Photo - Encyclopedic Approach: Each entry combines a precise description with an annotated photograph to highlight the bird's chief characteristics and distinguishing features. There are useful maps showing worldwide distribution, pictures of alternative plumage, and scale drawings of each bird. Color - coded, quick - reference bands giving at - a - glance facts complete every entry. Identification Made easy: For beginners and established enthusiasts alike, the Smithsonian Handbook of Birds of the World begins by describing anatomy and behavior to help identify different types of bird. A visual identification key then shows the major bird groups and guides you to the correct entries. Finally, a concise glossary provides a useful guide to the scientific and technical terms used in the book."

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Birds of New England

Fred J. Alsop

Smithsonian Handbook

DK Publishing

2002

"The most comprehensive series of field guides to North American birds ever. Smithsonian Handbooks are the most comprehensive field guides to North American birds on the market. Created in association with the Smithsonian Institution, these amazing guides are an absolute staple for any birder or amateur ornithologist. Each local species receives its own profile, along with descriptions of habitats and annotated photographs that highlight specific characteristics and other points of interest."

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Birds of Texas

Fred J. Alsop

Smithsonian Handbook

DK Publishing

2002

"The most comprehensive series of field guides to North American birds ever. Smithsonian Handbooks are the most comprehensive field guides to North American birds on the market. Created in association with the Smithsonian Institution, these amazing guides are an absolute staple for any birder or amateur ornithologist. Each local species receives its own profile, along with descriptions of habitats and annotated photographs that highlight specific characteristics and other points of interest."

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Birds of Florida

Fred J. Alsop III

Smithsonian Handbook

Dorling Kindersley

2002

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Birds of the Mid-Atlantic

Fred J. Alsop III

Smithsonian Handbook

Dorling Kindersley

2002

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The Complete Guide to the Birdlife of Britain and Europe

Peter Hayman and Rob Hume

Smithsonian

2002

"This authoritative guide is unparalleled in scope and depth. More than 3,500 brilliant color illustrations show each bird from up to twelve different angles, clearly and accurately presenting all distinguishing features of male and female, juvenile and adult birds. The engaging text is easily accessible yet detailed enough to satisfy even the most experienced birdwatcher. Each entry includes both common and scientific names for the bird. A succinct summary facilitates instant identification of the species and is followed by detailed discussions about habitat, feeding, displays and calls, breeding, migration, and length. A separate box offers "when to see" and "where found" information, indicating the time of year and where in Britain and Europe the species can be seen. For quick reference, icons accompanying each entry indicate the status of the species in Britain (resident, rare vagrant, etc.) and its preferred habitat. Finally, the captions accompanying the illustrations suggest features to check if a bird cannot be quickly identified."

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Grassland Grouse And Their Conservation

Paul A. Johnsgard

Smithsonian Institution

2002

Grassland Grouse is a call to action from one of the world's leading ornithologists. Conservationists have seen a marked decline in the populations of North American grouse, particularly the grassland-adapted species. Unless action is taken swiftly, at least one species is certain to follow the heath hen into extinction. Johnsgard discusses places where populations exist that have yet to be preserved, and outlines the steps necessary to conserve these species. A possible future does exist for grassland grouse, and Johnsgard's book points the way toward securing it.

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North American Owls

Paul A Johnsgard

Smithsonian Institution Press

2002

A guide to the owls of North America. The revised edition included 12 species of owls found in Mexico that were not included in the original 1988 publication. The text is fully updated and includes information on identification, mating, habitat and range, nesting patterns, and feeding. Includes colour plates and distribution maps.

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Birds of North America: Western Region

Fred J. Alsop III

Smithsonian Handbook

Dorling Kindersley

2001

"This comprehensive handbook to the birds of North America: Eastern Region includes 706 species - all birds known to breed west of the 100th meridian on the United States and Canada, as well as regular visitors and vagrants to this region. The Smithsonian Handbook is the first identification guide that includes details of the bird's life history in a concise and user-friendly format. Each full-page profile combines a precise description, annotated photographs, and artworks to highlight the key field marks of the species in each plumage. Similar species are shown and 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 clear icons, and amplified in the text. Each bird's range during summer, winter, and on migration is clearly shown on a map."

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Birds of North America: Eastern Region

Fred J. Alsop III

Smithsonian Handbook

Dorling Kindersley

2001

"This comprehensive handbook to the birds of North America: Eastern Region includes 706 species - all birds known to breed east of the 100th meridian on the United States and Canada, as well as regular visitors and vagrants to this region. The Smithsonian Handbook is the first identification guide that includes details of the bird's life history in a concise and user-friendly format. Each full-page profile combines a precise description, annotated photographs, and artworks to highlight the key field marks of the species in each plumage. Similar species are shown and 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 clear icons, and amplified in the text. Each bird's range during summer, winter, and on migration is clearly shown on a map."

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Trogons and Quetzals of the World

Paul A. Johnsgard

Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press

2000

"Beautifully illustrated with color plates and line drawings, this comprehensive review of trogons and quetzals - the first to be published in more than 150 years - covers all 39 extant species. It includes detailed species accounts, range maps, and identification keys as well as a chapter that discusses comparative biology in terms of evolution, anatomy and morphology, behaviour, ecology, breeding, biology, and populations. Forty hand-coloured plates - most by renowned nineteenth-century illustrator John Gould and others by John O'Neill, Dan Lane, Dana Gardner, and James D. McClelland - depict adults of both sexes. Nineteen line drawings by author Paul Johnsgard illustrate behaviour and anatomy."

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A Field Checklist of the Birds of Guyana

Michael J. Braun, Davis W. Finch, Mark B. Robbins and Brian K. Schmidt

Produced under the auspices of the Centre for the Study of Biological Diversity, University of Guyana

National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution

2000

"This publication presents a comprehensive list of the birds of Guyana with summary information on their habitats, biogeographical affinities, migratory behavior and abundance, in a format suitable for use in the field. It should facilitate field identification, especially when used in conjunction with an illustrated work such as Guide to the Birds of Venezuela (Meyer de Schauensee and Phelps 1978). The list includes 786 species that have been documented as occurring in Guyana. It builds upon the long out-of-print work of Snyder (1966), who listed 720 species. Her list is largely treated as authoritative, but 10 species are removed for lack of concrete documentation. Seventy-four species are added, and an additional 2 species result from 8 taxonomic changes (3 lumps, 5 splits). Species included are those whose occurrence in the country is supported by physical evidence (specimen, photograph, sound recording, or band recovery) or written documentation of a sight record by a reliable, experienced observer."

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The Pheasants of the World: Biology and Natural History

Paul A. Johnsgard

Illustrations: Joseph Wolf

Smithsonian Books

2nd Edition

1999

"Among the most important of all bird groups, pheasants account for the most abundant domesticated species (the domestic fowl), the most extensively hunted upland game bird (the common pheasant), and some of the most spectacularly beautiful of all large birds (the giant argus). This lavishly illustrated volume gives up-to-date information on the distribution, status, and biology of all 49 species, with special attention paid to those that are vulnerable, rare, or threatened. Including range maps and identification keys, The Pheasants of the World is a comprehensive reference not only for ornithologists and conservationists seeking to ensure the survival of the group, but also for aviculturists and others who want to better understand the nature of these splendid birds."

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Tanagers: Natural History, Distribution and Identification

Morton L. Isler and Phyllis R. Isler

Smithsonian Institution Press

1999

(Uncertain iof this is a new edition or just a reprint of the 1987 edition)

"The tanagers are a diverse New World family of birds numbering some 242 species, some of them colourful and conspicuous. The authors have studied them at first hand and have drawn together existing information on the natural history and distribution of tanagers, most of it previously unpublished. Information on field identification is also included. The book will be of great interest to ornithologists, zoologists, and all who are interested in natural history, by contributing to the understanding of the tanagers and the ecosystems of which they are part."

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Manu: The Biodiversity of Southeastern Peru

Editor: Don E. Wilson and Abelardo Sandoval

Smithsonian Books

1997

"The Manu Biosphere Reserve in southeastern Peru has been the site of intensive sampling and monitoring programs during the past decade involving top systematic scientists from the United States and Peru. In this volume, twenty-nine chapters (twenty written in English, nine in Spanish) provide an unprecedented summary of the region's biota. Divided into three sections, this study documents Manu's general flora, and fauna. Comprehensive checklists, standardized sampling schemes, information about species inventory and composition, and taxonomic data are provided for Manu's diverse plant and animal populations, including reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, spiders, and bamboos."

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The Ecology of Migrant Birds: A Neotropical Perspective

John H. Rappole

Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press

1995

"Incorporating new information on migratory birds, most gathered within the past decade, this comprehensive synthesis is the first book to explore migration principally from the perspective of the tropical, or nonbreeding, portion of the migrant life cycle."

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Arena Birds: Sexual Selection and Behavior

Paul A. Johnsgard

Smithsonian Institution Press

1994

"Arena birds - those birds whose mates gather for competitive sexual display in open spaces called arenas or leks - are amoung the most beautiful birds in the world. Paul Johnsgard surveys the mating behavior of many species and groups and explains how arena birds select mates on the basis of either male dominance or female choice."

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Dean of the Birdwatchers: A Biography of Ludlow Griscom

William E. Davis Jr

Smithsonian

1994

A biography of the pioneering field ornithologist.

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Ornithology of the Indian Subcontinent 1872-1992: An Annotated Bibliography

C. Burg, B. Beehler and S. Dillon Ripley

Smithsonian Institution

1994

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Cormorants, Darters, and Pelicans of the World

Paul A. Johnsgard

Smithsonian Institute

1993

"The first comprehensive study of the world's 32 species of cormorants and shags, two species of darters, and seven species of pelicans. The first section of the book analyses comparative biology and second gives detailed accounts of individual species. Includes colour illustrations and anatomical drawings."

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The White Ibis: Wetland Wanderer

Keith L. Bildstein

Smithsonian Books

1993

"Beginning in 1980, the author studied the thousands of ibises which converge each spring on tiny Pumpkinseed Island, South Carolina. Contains much useful information on breeding and behaviour."

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Ecology and Conservation of Neotropical Migrant Landbirds

Editor J.M. Hagan and D.W. Johnston

Smithsonian Institution Press

1992

"It has been recognised now for more than a decade that migrant landbird populations in North America have been declining. Fragmentation of forests on the northern breeding grounds, and habitat loss in tropical wintering zones are thought to be the main reasons. Based on the work of over a hundred ornithologists, this is the first book to address this major conservation issue, and brings together a wealth of data on species ecology factors affecting populations."

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Finding Birds in the National Capital Area

Claudia Wilds

Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press

2nd edition

1992

"In the second edition of Finding Birds in the National Capital Area, Claudia Wilds updates her classic guide with new maps, directions, and descriptions, providing information on birding from Delaware to North Carolina accessible to the notice and detailed enough for the experienced birder."

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New World Parrots in Crisis: Solutions from Conservation Biology

Editor: S.R. Beissinger and N.F.R. Snyder

Smithsonian Books

1992

"Neotropical parrots are one of the most threatened groups of birds in the world. They are taken from the wild as pets, killed as agricultural pests and suffer from rapid habitat loss. This major work reviews these threats, and the current status of all the species involved, as well as a range of possible conservation solutions. Each chapter has a summary in Spanish."

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Threatened Birds of the Americas: The ICBP/IUCN Red Data Book, Part 2

N.J. Collar

Smithsonian Institution Press

1992

"This volume covers in full the 302 threatened species of the Caribbean and Latin America, and in summary form 25 species of North America and the eastern Pacific islands (these species will be covered in detail in the fourth volume). Each species account includes a brief summary, followed by sections on distribution, population, ecology, threats, conservation measures taken and proposed. Appendixes cover threatened birds by category of threat, by country, and near threatened birds of the Americas."

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Tetraonidae and Phasianidae of the USSR: Ecology and Morphology

M.A. Kuz'mina

Smithsonian Institution

1992

This book reviews the ecological and morphological adaptations of Tetraonidae and Phasianidae of the Soviet Union, based on data available in the literature and many years of research by the author. The distribution, habitat, behavior, feeding habits, and the adaptation of these birds to climatic conditions are discussed in the first part. The second part of the book elucidates the structure of the locomotory organs and locomotion. The final chapter examines the ecological groups of galliform birds and suggests measures for conserving and increasing the numbers of some species of this economically important group of birds.

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The Birds of Japan

Mark Brazil

Illustrations: Masayuki Yabuuchi

Smithsonian / Christopher Helm

1991

"Japan, with its great range of climatic zones and habitats and consequently its exciting mix of species, is a fascinating country in which to birdwatch. The Japanese archipelago is on the migration route of many species breeding in Siberia and wintering in mainland southeast Asia, in Indonesia and even Australasia. It is the wintering grounnd for many northern birds, for thousands of cranes, hundreds of thousands of waterfowl, thrushes and buntings and the breeding ground for a wide variety of species of more southerly origin. The long isolation of the archipelago has been conducive to the evolution of numerous distinct sub-species and also a number of endemic species. The range is extraordinary from the northern pink-cheeked and grey-breasted bullfinch, to the southern local race of the Narcissus flycatcher in the Nansei Shoot; even some of the endemic species have distinct populations. Over the last two decades there has been a marked increase in the number of Japanese birdwatchers, as leisure pursuits have become fashionable and as the Japanese have become increasingly affluent. The science of ornithology has expanded too during the same period, resulting in a major advance in the study of Japanese birds. This book brings together information on the avifauna of Japan. It is not designed as a field guide but as a comprehensive overview of the status, range, habits of Japanese birds."

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Hawks, Eagles and Falcons of North America

Paul A. Johnsgard

Smithsonian Books

1990

Reprint 2002

"A comprehensive reference discusses all aspects of raptors, including their biology, habitat, and behavior, and offers identification information."

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Handbook of North American Birds, Volume 5, Diurnal Raptors (Part 2)

Editor: Ralph S. Palmer

Sponsored by The Smithsonian Institution

Yale University Press

1988

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Handbook of North American Birds, Volume 4, Diurnal Raptors (Part 1)

Editor: Ralph S. Palmer

Sponsored by The Smithsonian Institution

Yale University Press

1988

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The Bald Eagle: Haunts and Habits of a Wilderness Monarch

Jon M. Gerrard and Gary R. Bortolotti

Smithsonian Books

1988

"The Bald Eagle is a comprehensive description of the morphology, behavior, flight patterns, hunting, migration, nesting, development, and growth of bald eagles."

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North American Owls: Biology and Natural History

Paul A Johnsgard

Smithsonian

1988

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Tanagers: Natural History, Distribution and Identification

Morton L. Isler and Phyllis R. Isler

Smithsonian Institution Press

1987

"The tanagers are a diverse New World family of birds numbering some 242 species, some of them colourful and conspicuous. The authors have studied them at first hand and have drawn together existing information on the natural history and distribution of tanagers, most of it previously unpublished. Information on field identification is also included. The book will be of great interest to ornithologists, zoologists, and all who are interested in natural history, by contributing to the understanding of the tanagers and the ecosystems of which they are part."

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The Great Gray Owl: Phantom of the Northern Forest

Robert W. Nero

Smithsonian Books

1987

"A study of the Great Gray Owl of North America."

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Bachman's Warbler: A Species in Peril

Paul B. Hamel

Smithsonian Books

1986

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Harrier, Hawk of the Marshes: The Hawk That is Ruled by a Mouse

Frances Hamerstrom

Foreword: Roger Tory Peterson

Smithsonian Books

1986

Discusses the physical characteristics and habits of the Northern harrier hawk as revealed in a twenty-five year study

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Threatened Birds of Africa and its Related Islands: ICPB/IUCN Bird Red Data Book, Part 1

Editor: N.J. Collar and S.N. Stuart

Smithsonian Books

1985

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Birds Of China

Rodolphe Meyer De Schauensee

Oxford University Press / Smithsonian Books

1984 (reprint 1989)

"This illustrated reference catalogue provides a single, English language guide to all the birds found in China - 1195 species in 88 families. It offers an account for each species with emphasis on diagnostic field characteristics, followed by the bird's general and detailed range. There are also notes on ecology and taxonomy. Colour and black-and-white illustrations are by John Henry Dick, John Gwynne, Wayne Trimm and Michel Kleinbaum."

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Redwings

Robert W. Nero

Smithsonian Books

1984

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The Birds of the Republic of Panama, Part 4: Passeriformes, Suborder Passeres, Hirundinidae (Swallows) to Fringillidae (Finches)

Alexander Wetmore

Smithsonian Books

1984

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The Hummingbirds of North America

Paul A. Johnsgard

Color plates: James D. McClelland

Smithsonian Institution Press

1983

"A survey of the comparative biology and individual life histories of the 23 North American species of hummingbirds occurring north of Mexico. A glossary of technical terms and a 200-reference bibliography are included."

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Endangered Birds of the World: The ICBP Bird Red Data Book

Warren B. King

Smithsonian Books

1981

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The Birds of the Republic of Panama, Part 3: Passeriformes: Dendrocolaptidae (Woodcreepers) to Oxyruncidae (Sharpbills)

Alexander Wetmore

Smithsonian Books

1972

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The Birds of the Republic of Panama, Part 2: Columbidae (Pidgeons) to Picidae (Woodpeckers)

Alexander Wetmore

Smithsonian Books

1969

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Bird Song: Acoustics and Physiology

Crawford H. Greenewalt

Smithsonian

1968

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Seabirds Of The Tropical Atlantic Ocean

George E. Watson

Smithsonian Press

1966

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The Birds of the Republic of Panama, Part 1: Tinamidae (Tinamous) to Rynchopidae (Skimmers)

Alexander Wetmore

Smithsonian Books

1965

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Advances In Our Knowledge Of The Honey-guides

Herbert Friedmann

Smithsonian Institution Press

1958

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The Honey-guides

Herbert Friedmann

Illustrations: Walter A. Weber

U. S. National Museum Bulletin 208

Smithsonian Institution Press

1955

292 pages.

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Life Histories Of North American Wood Warblers: Order Passeriformes

Arthur Cleveland Bent

Smithsonian Institution

1953

Subsequently reprinted in two volumes.

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The Humming Birds

Robert Ridgway

Smithsonian Institution

1892

From the introduction:

Of the numerous groups into which the birds are divided there is none other so numerous in species, so varied in form, so brilliant in plumage, and so different from all the others in their mode of life. Inhabitants exclusively of the tropical and temperate portions of America, they constitute the most charming element in the wonderfully varied bird-life of the New World.
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Last updated November 2013