"One of The Seattle Times 8 Books to Put under a Bird-Lover's Tree 2014" "One of the StarTribune/Lifestyle's Best Birding Books of 2014" "One of the Birder's Library Best Bird Books of 2014" "One of the Birdbooker Report's Best Bird Books of 2014" Steve N. G. Howell is a research associate at PRBO Conservation Science and a staff leader with WINGS, an international bird tour company. His books include Petrels, Albatrosses, and Storm-Petrels of North America (Princeton). Ian Lewington is one of the world's finest bird illustrators. His books include Rare Birds of Britain and Europe. Will Russell is cofounder and managing director of WINGS. The first comprehensive illustrated guide to North America's vagrant birds Rare Birds of North America is the first comprehensive illustrated guide to the vagrant birds that occur throughout the United States and Canada. Featuring 275 stunning color plates, this book covers 262 species originating from three very different regions-the Old World, the New World tropics, and the world's oceans. It explains the causes of avian vagrancy and breaks down patterns of occurrence by region and season, enabling readers to see where, when, and why each species occurs in North America. Detailed species accounts describe key identification features, taxonomy, age, sex, distribution, and status. Rare Birds of North America provides unparalleled insights into vagrancy and avian migration, and will enrich the birding experience of anyone interested in finding and observing rare birds. - Covers 262 species of vagrant birds found in the United States and Canada - Features 275 stunning color plates that depict every species - Explains patterns of occurrence by region and season - Provides an invaluable overview of vagrancy patterns and migration - Includes detailed species accounts and cutting-edge identification tips "Birders thrill to see rarities. This superb book covers 262 rare species, featuring Ian Lewington's unsurpassed artistry in 275 color plates. Species accounts discuss patterns of vagrancy, identification, seasons, regions, and migration." "If you're a serious birder, there should already be a slot for this book on your shelf, since no other guide has ever filled this niche. . . . With the help of this book, I might grab 15 minutes of fame for finding the next great rarity."---Kirby Adams, National Parks Traveler "[A] pleasure to read."---Matt Merritt, Birdwatching Magazine "This book is . . . a guaranteed winner and not just for a North American readership. Put together by a superbly qualified team, it is both authoritative and attractive. For the lister, identification enthusiast, migration student and general birdwatcher, it brings to life a whole continent of avian excitement. Birds are always amazing and surprising us, pushing the boundaries of what we thought possible and exploding the myths and stories we so carefully create about them. This book is a fitting tribute to their continuing capacity to inspire and confound."---Andy Stoddart, Rare Bird Alert "All bird identification books should be this good."---Jim Williams, Minneapolis Star Tribune "The authors' sifting of bird-sighting records for a period covering some six decades is impressive. Detailed accounts of 262 species comprise the bulk of the book. Lewington's lovely color illustrations are supported by the sort of information one expects to find in bird guides (e.g., key identification features, taxonomy, distribution, similar species, behaviors, etc.). . . . That we are enjoying a 'golden age of bird [book] publishing,' as another reviewer in these pages has said, is clearly exemplified by this work. The birding hobby's growing popularity means that its fervent fringe of 'life-listers' is growing, too, and for them, or anyone with an eye for the unusual, this book will surely tantalize."---Robert Eagan, Library Journal "This was the book my birding friends, in fact all North American birders who ar