Identifying birds can be overwhelming. Where and how do you start? The good news is that most people already know more than they realize about birds, which can greatly simplify the identification process.
Written in a helpful, conversational style and illustrated with numerous photos, this "12-step program" starts with the basics and builds logically into a manageable framework that enables anyone to get into, or get more out of, the world of watching, identifying, and enjoying birds.

"Identifying birds is a science and an art. These leading masters of the craft share a wealth of inside knowledge in this gem of a book. If you're a birder at any level of experience, I guarantee this book will improve your skills in the field." --Kenn Kaufman, author of the Kaufman Field Guide to Advanced Birding

"The birding equivalent of having Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking teach you how to count, add, subtract, multiply, and comprehend quantum mechanics. Bird watchers at every skill level will garner insights from this book." -- Pete Dunne, author of Birds of Prey

STEVE N. G. HOWELL is an international bird tour leader with WINGS, a popular speaker and trip leader at birding festivals, and author of numerous books and articles. He lives in California.

BRIAN SULLIVAN works on eBird and digital publications at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. He lives in California.