2014 Bird Book Preview

2013 was a great year for bird books, but based on the titles already announced 2014 may end up being even better! Here are some to be looking forward to.

• Rare Birds of North America
  by Steve N. G. Howell, Ian Lewington, and Will Russell
  February 16, 2014; Princeton University Press

  This is the first comprehensive treatment of vagrant birds to North America. And what birder doesn’t love vagrants? You can get a look inside on Amazon.

• Ten Thousand Birds: Ornithology since Darwin
  by Tim Birkhead, Jo Wimpenny, and Bob Montgomerie
  February 16, 2014; Princeton University Press

  I loved Birkhead’s The Wisdom of Birds, which also dealt with the history of ornithology. If his previous books are any indication, this one should be a great read.

• The Sibley Guide to the Birds of North America, Second Edition
  by David Allen Sibley
  March 11, 2014; Alfred A. Knopf

  This is the one that we are ALL looking forward to. The first edition was a game-changer, and I can’t wait to see this one.

• The Thing with Feathers: The Surprising Lives of Birds and What They Reveal About Being Human
  by Noah Strycker
  March 20, 2014; Riverhead

  According to the publisher, this is “An entertaining and profound look at the lives of birds, illuminating their surprising world—and deep connection with humanity.” Sounds like a book for me, especially since it’s written by Noah Strycker, who’s writing I’ve enjoyed in various birding magazines and his first book, Among Penguins: A Bird Man in Antarctica.

• Hummingbirds: A Life-Size Guide to Every Species
  by Michael Fogden, Marianne Taylor, and Sheri L. Williamson
  April 1, 2014; Harper Design

  A book that illustrates every hummingbird species with life-sized photographs? What a fantastic idea! If you ever have the urge to drool uncontrollably, check out the extensive preview on Amazon.

• American Birding Association State Field Guides: Colorado and New Jersey
  April 1 and May 1, 2014 (respectively); Scott & Nix, Inc.

  I’m not a fan of most state field guides, but I have faith that the ABA and guide authors Ted Floyd (CO) and Rick Wright (NJ) will do these right.

Posted by Grant McCreary on February 5th, 2014.