Florida's Birds: A Handbook and Reference

We recently moved to a new area and some of the birds were new to us. We enjoy checking this book when we see a bird we are not sure what it is.

I bought this for my husband, who uses it all the time. Whenever we have a new bird come to the yard he gets the book out to see what it is. It is very helpful.

Identifies the major habitats in Florida such as sand pine scrub, mesic hammocks, salt marshes, etc. Features include about 50 pages with color artwork showing the birds (grouped by type). The adjacent page gives a brief description plus notes on preferred habitat, then refers the reader to another page for more detail on the bird. Pluses: charts the months the bird is in Florida and also the breeding season, makes an effort to explain key differences in similar looking birds, the index is set up with little boxes so it can be used as a checklist also. Minuses: pictures somewhat small and at times overcrowded (ducks), it's a nuisance to flip back and forth from the pictures to the detailed write ups.

Excellent color depictions, good cross referencing to information pages vs. habitat and picture pages. It is exactly as represented - a good reference guide.

I've looked at many books on Floridas' birds; This is the only book you need to get a solid grip on the birds of Florida Period!