Review: National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America, Fifth Edition (1 Viewer)

[jedigrant]

Review

I've included a list of every illustration change that I could find. I'm sure I missed some, though.

Overall it is much improved from the previous edition, but for me it still doesn't dethrone Sibley.

 

[cuckooroller]

Thanks Grant. Strange as it might seem with all the other books I have, I lack a North American bird guide here in Italy. I left them all in the States along with other bird books and my complete Bent series. I should buy another one - but probably the Sibley (the two split guides).

 

[jcwings]

Excellent review. I must say that I learned several things in reading it. I would add that replacing the majority of the wood-warbler illustrations is long overdue. Some have been reworked like the Black-and-white you mention, but most are dreadful, oddly postured and are from the original publication. Fall warblers are a popular group of birds for many serious birders and pose a fun challenge. You would think more accurate depictions of this group of birds would be warranted.

 

[Swissboy]

Review ..
Overall it is much improved from the previous edition, but for me it still doesn't dethrone Sibley.

To your review it should be added that the benefit of the larger range maps comes at a price. The book has gained about 1 centimeter in width. Thus, the larger new edition may no longer fit into some pockets. The 4th edition was just a bit higher than the compact Sibley, but it provided ALL the species. The new edition is now definitely larger and thus a bit less handy.

I should add that I still prefer this book over the ones by Sibley, but the arguments put forward in favor of Sibley are valid ones. It's a matter of personal preferences. Many of the illustrations in the Sibley compact volumes are too small for my liking. With often too much empty space in between. Thus many might be a bit larger without having to increase the size of the book.

 

[jedigrant]

You're right about the size. I think that the addition of the thumbtabs also has alot to do with the increased size. The margins to the left of the maps have been slightly increased, probably to accomodate them. I've added this observation to the review.

I looked through the small Sibley and you're also right about it. I had never thought about it, but some of the drawings could definitely be increased. I hope that there's some reason for it, cause it doesn't make sense to me.

 

[Tero]

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=71520

I actually use the 4th still, though the 5th is at home