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This page lists books in the California Natural History Guides series published by University of California Press that are about birds or include sections about birds.

University of California Press pages

Other bird related books

A Natural History of California

Allan A. Schoenherr

2nd edition

2017

"In this comprehensive and abundantly illustrated book, Allan A. Schoenherr describes the natural history of California-a state with a greater range of landforms, a greater variety of habitats, and more kinds of plants and animals than any area of equivalent size in all of North America. A Natural History of California focuses on each distinctive region, addressing its climate, rocks, soil, plants, and animals. The second edition of this classic work features updated species names and taxa, new details about parks reclassified by federal and state agencies, new stories about modern human and animal interaction, and a new epilogue on the impacts of climate change."

Field Guide to Birds of the Northern California Coast

Rich Stallcup, Jules Evens

University of California Press

2014

"The northern California coast, from Monterey County to the Oregon border, is home to some of the richest avian habitats on the North America continent. Field Guide to Birds of the Northern California Coast provides a comprehensive ecological overview of this extensive and diverse region, and detailed discussions of the most common waterbirds, raptors and landbirds found there. Accessibly written and user-friendly, this guide contains nearly 250 species accounts, including seasonal rhythms and behavioral characteristics of each species, and is illustrated with 120 color photographs. Also featured are site guides to the most productive and accessible birding locales, with each coastal county represented."

Natural History of San Francisco Bay

Ariel Rubissow Okamoto and Kathleen M Wong

University of California Press

2011

"This complete primer on San Francisco Bay is a multifaceted exploration of an extraordinary, and remarkably resilient, body of water. Bustling with oil tankers, laced with pollutants, and crowded with forty-six cities, the bay is still home to healthy eelgrass beds, young Dungeness crabs and sharks, and millions of waterbirds. Written in an entertaining style for a wide audience, "Natural History of San Francisco Bay" delves into an array of topics including fish and wildlife, ocean and climate cycles, endangered and invasive species, and the path from industrialization to environmental restoration. More than sixty scientists, activists, and resource managers share their views and describe their work - tracing mercury through the aquatic ecosystem, finding ways to convert salt ponds back to tidal wetlands, anticipating the repercussions of climate change, and more. Fully illustrated and packed with stories, quotes, and facts, the guide also tells how San Francisco Bay sparked an environmental movement that now reaches across the country."

Natural History of the Point Reyes Peninsula

Jules G Evens

University of California Press

2nd edition

2008

"Evens thoroughly investigates the climate, geology, and flora and fauna of Point Reyes, giving special attention to its most characteristic species and their ecological relationships. He delves into the past as well, evoking images of salmon-swollen creeks, herds of elk, and canyons echoing with the cries of cougars to enliven our imagination and set the stage as he traces the changes that have occurred at Point Reyes since the first Spanish explorers visited its shores in the late 1500s. Extensively illustrated with color photographs, original illustrations, and maps, the book also includes species lists for the reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals, common invertebrates, fish, and plants found on the peninsula today, making it an essential companion for anyone who plans to visit one of California's most unique natural areas."

Field Guide to Owls of California and the West

Hans Peeters

University of California Press

2007

" This accessible guide, full of intriguing anecdotes, covers all 19 species of owls occurring in North America. More than an identification guide, "Field Guide to Owls of California and the West" describes the biology and behavior of owls to make finding and identifying them easier and watching them more enjoyable. The guide also explores the conservation challenges that owls face and tells how owls provide insights to scientists working in fields from technology to health. It: includes color plates which illustrate each species; features range maps which show the western distribution of North America's owls, 14 of which occur in California; offers tips for finding and watching owls; gives information on how to design, place, and maintain nest boxes; and, describes human attitudes toward owls through history, including in Native American cultures of the West."

Introduction to Birds of the Southern California Coast

Joan Easton Lentz

University of California Press

2005

"This easy-to-use, concise, informative guide is a must for anyone who wants to leave behind Southern California's noisy freeways and crowded beaches in search of the wild places where birds can be found. An excellent introduction, an indispensable regional guide, and a perfect companion for excursions from San Luis Obispo County to the Mexican border, it is designed to familiarize birdwatchers, hikers, naturalists, residents, and travelers with the appearance and behavior of 120 of the most common coastal birds. Features include: 120 superb color plates and lifelike habitat drawings that depict birds in their natural surroundings; sixteen maps show numerous birding sites accompanied by detailed directions; species accounts include information on the abundance and seasonal status of each bird and give intriguing natural history details; and, introductory sections describe the coastal habitats of Southern California, provide tips for beginning birdwatchers, and discuss the basics of bird behavior."

Introduction to California Birdlife

Jules Evens and Ian Tait

University of California Press

2005

" This beautifully illustrated book, the first based on the relationship between birds and their habitats, is the definitive introduction to California's varied birds and the lives they lead."Introduction to California Birdlife" describes the representative birds in California's seven major bioregions: ocean, seashore, coastal ranges, Central Valley, mountains and foothills, Great Basin, and deserts. It explains key relationships among weather patterns, plant communities, and the ecological rhythms of these habitats and shows how these factors relate to the distribution, behavioral adaptations, and environmental challenges of its birds. It is the perfect book for beginning and intermediate naturalists, and in-depth enough for experienced naturalists who would like to learn more about the habitat affinities, ecological niches, and seasonal cycles of California birds. It features 150 color photographs that bring to life many of the birds described. It introduces the basics of avian biology. It includes a list of all California's known bird species and a glossary of birding terms."

Raptors of California

Hans Peeters and Pam Peeters

University of California Press

2005

"Featuring descriptions of every diurnal California raptor, this state-of-the-art, beautifully illustrated guide is the first to combine identification of these important birds with a comprehensive discussion of their natural history. Raptors of California notes well-established field marks in addition to introducing several new pointers that help distinguish especially difficult species. More than a field guide, the book also includes information on raptor anatomy, foraging, reproduction, movement, where and how to observe raptors, human-raptor interactions, raptor conservation, endangered species, caring for injured hawks, falconry, and more. Of special interest is the inclusion of previously unpublished descriptions of raptor behavior and many fascinating anecdotes and vivid observations from the field that provide new insights into the lives of these captivating birds. * Covers 27 species, with range maps for the 18 species regularly occurring in California * 104 color figures include photographs and wash drawings illustrating habitats, anatomy, field marks, and behavior * 12 full-page color plates show the various plumages of each species--including rarities--as well as their appearance in flight."

Introduction To The California Condor

Noel Snyder and Helen Snyder

University of California Press

2005

"The story of the California Condor - an awe-inspiring symbol of wilderness - is one of the most dramatic and contentious in conservation biology. Huge scavengers with wingspans reaching more than nine feet, Condors declined by 1985 to just nine individuals left in the wild. At that point, under a highly controversial program, the last birds were brought into captivity to create a population that could eventually be reestablished in nature. This engaging book, written by two scientists who were intimately involved with the Condor conservation effort, tells the full story of the California Condor, from the bird's evolution and biology to its captive breeding and subsequent releases, and its uncertain future. It introduces the largest soaring bird in the continental United States to a broad audience and at the same time presents an important case study of a critically endangered species."

Sierra Nevada Natural History

Tracey I. Storer, Robert L. Usinger and David Lukas

University of California Press

2nd edition

2004

"First published forty years ago, this handbook has become an enduring natural history classic, used by thousands to learn more about virtually every aspect of this spectacular mountain range. Comprehensive yet concise and portable, the book describes more than 750 species including trees and shrubs, flowering plants and ferns, fungi and lichens, insects and fish, amphibians and reptiles, and birds and mammals."

Natural History of the Islands of California

Allan A. Schoenherr, Robert C. Feldmeth and Michael J. Emerson

University of California Press

1999 / 2003

"Discusses both the human and the natural history of the islands of California, including all eight Channel Islands, Aņo Nuevo, the Farallons, and the islands of San Francisco Bay. Useful as a field guide for visitors, and details on reaching the islands are contained in the first chapter. Also explores the formation of the islands, discusses the history of human habitation, beginning with the Native Americans who first visited the islands 12,000 years ago, and provides a thorough introduction to the marine and terrestrial biotas of the islands. The authors also discuss past damage and ongoing threats to island ecosystems, including devastation caused by the introduction of nonnative animals and plants."

California Forests and Woodlands: A Natural History

Verna Johnston

University of California Press

1995 / 1996

"Verna Johnston's splendid book, illustrated with her superb color photographs and Carla Simmons' detailed black-and-white drawings, now offers an unparalleled view of the Golden State's world-renowned forests and woodlands. In clear, vivid prose, Johnston introduces each of the state's dominant forest types. She describes the unique characteristics of the trees and the interrelationships of the plants and animals living among them, and she analyzes how fire, flood, fungi, weather, soil, and humans have affected the forest ecology. The world of forest and woodland animals comes alive in these pages - the mating games, predation patterns, communal life, and the microscopic environment of invertebrates and fungi are all here."

Natural History of Big Sur

Paul Henson and Donald J. Usner

University of California Press

1993 / 1996

"Each year millions of people visit the area of rugged California coastline and wild mountains known as Big Sur. Finally here is a book that is both a natural history of this beautiful region and an excellent guide to its extensive public lands. The first section introduces the area's geology, climate, flora, fauna, and human history. The second section describes selected sites, trails, and features that are mentioned in Part One. Although Big Sur is world famous for awe-inspiring scenery, it is less known for its great ecological diversity and its significance as a haven for many species of terrestrial and marine wildlife."

A Natural History of California

Allan A. Schoenherr

University of California Press

1992 / 1995

"In this comprehensive and abundantly illustrated book, Allan Schoenherr describes a state with a greater range of landforms, a greater variety of habitats, and more kinds of plants and animals than any area of equivalent size in all of North America. A Natural History of California will familiarize the reader with the climate, rocks, soil, plants and animals in each distinctive region of the state."

Natural History of the White-Inyo Range, Eastern California

Editor: Clarence A Hall

University of California Press

1991

"This colorful and authoritative volume assembles a wealth of information of deep interest to the hikers and scientists attracted to White-Inyo's altitude and isolation. The nearly two dozen contributors to the volume are leading experts on the flora and fauna, the geology, geomorphology, meteorology, anthropology, and archaeology of the area. The book offers descriptions of more than 650 kinds of living organisms, from the handful of fish to the abundance of reptile, amphibian, bird and plant species."