For new bird-watchers, this low-priced, easy-to-use National Geographic field guide features basic bird identification information on 160 top North American species and makes ornithology fun. The birds are beautifully presented, from the lowly Tufted Titmouse and House Wren to the majestic Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle. Paging through this handy book is like taking a walk with National Geographic's birding experts. Every bird is showcased with carefully chosen illustrations and photographs that capture its key details and typical behavior, paired with a short list of key facts (appearance, range, food, voice) and a fun,readable snapshot of what makes each bird so interesting. Pictures plus facts plus story: a winning combination especially for new bird watchers. With a small trim size, rounded corners, and colorful illustrations, National Geographic's Pocket Guide to the Birds of North Americawill be easy on the eyes and easy to stash. A useful color index guides identification; tips throughout show how to observe, track, identify, record, and attract birds in nature. Featured birds include: American Robin, Bald Eagle, Barn Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, Blue Jay, Common Grackle, Dark-eyed Junco, Eastern Bluebird, Eastern Phoebe, Great Blue Heron, House Wren, Northern Cardinal, Northern Flicker, Purple Martin, Red-tailed Hawk, Song Sparrow, Tufted Titmouse, Tufted Titmouse, Western Bluebird, White-breasted Nuthatch, and more than 140 additional species.

LAURA ERICKSON has been a scientist, teacher, writer, wildlife rehabilitator, blogger, public speaker, photographer, and Science Editor at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. She's written six previous books about birds, including a National Outdoor Book Award winner. She's currently a columnist and contributing editor for BirdWatching magazine. She produces the long-running "For the Birds" radio program for many public radio stations; the program is podcast on iTunes. She lives in Duluth, Minnesota. JONATHAN ALDERFER, artist and naturalist, is the resident birding expert at National Geographic. He is author and editor of numerous National Geographic birding books, including co-author of the top-selling Field Guide to the Birds of North America. The author lives Washington, D.C..