Update, Dec 13, 2009: Apparently, the Sibley Online Guide has been taken down. I have no idea why.
Update, Feb 28, 2010: The site’s disappearing act may have something to do with the new Sibley iPhone app.
The Sibley Guide to Birds is now available online. And this isn’t just some abbreviated version, it’s just about the entire “big” Sibley! The species accounts include everything from the printed version, including all of the illustrations (with the invaluable annotations), range map, and text. As a bonus, it also includes an audio sample.
You can search for birds both by family and by typing in any part of the name in a search box. The interface isn’t as nifty as Cornell’s All About Birds, but it is simple and intuitive.
There’s also a reference section that includes some material from The Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior
I wouldn’t give up my printed Sibley guide for anything. But I can see this online version being very useful at times when your hardcopy isn’t available. And if you don’t already have this guide? Then check out this online version and see what you’ve been missing.
A big thanks to John from A DC Birding Blog for bringing this to my attention.
March 21st, 2010 at 6:43 am
&*#$&% IPHONE!