Bird Books

“Birders will recognize many of their favorite haunts in the important bird areas listed here, but few really understand the global significance of these places. This book puts each site in a global context, and also provides an overview of the practical issues and challenges of bird conservation in the twenty-first century.”

—David Allen Sibley, author of The Sibley Guide to Birds

“A concise archive of wide-ranging information for conservationists, field biologists, birders, and students of the natural sciences, and a valuable guide for natural history travel.”

—Peter Matthiessen, author of The Birds of Heaven: Travels with Cranes

“This landmark book is indispensable for conservationists, ornithologists, and birders alike.”

—Kenn Kaufman, author of Birds of North America

“A must-read for all birders that will open their eyes to the critical significance of preserving these globally important bird areas. The very future of our bird populations depend on it.”

—Donald and Lillian Stokes, authors of Stokes Field Guide to Birds

The American Bird Conservancy Guide to the 500 Most Important Bird Areas in the United States offers both bird enthusiasts and conservationists specialized information never before compiled in a single comprehensive volume.

This expert resource organizes the United States into 36 ornithologically distinct bird regions, then identifies and describes the 500 sites within these regions. Each site entry includes ornithological highlights, ownership information, a description of habitats and land use, a guide to which species one can expect to find, conservation issues, and visitor information. Full-color maps and illustrations throughout, along with a thorough index, make this book as useful as it is unique, an essential addition to the bird lover's library.