10 Best Bird Identification Books [2025]

Finding the right resources for birdwatching can enhance your experience and knowledge. The best bird identification books offer clear illustrations, detailed descriptions, and helpful tips for spotting various species. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 bird identification books available in the market, perfect for both beginners and experienced birders.

Top 10 Bird Identification Books in the Market

Best Bird Identification Books Review

SaleBestseller No. 1
National Geographic Backyard Guide to the Birds of North America, 2nd Edition (National Geographic Backyard Guides)
  • Alderfer, Jonathan (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 256 Pages - 10/15/2019 (Publication Date) - National Geographic (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 2
North American Bird Watching for Beginners: Field Notes on 150 Species to Start Your Birding Adventures (Bird Watching Adventures)
  • Stiteler, Sharon (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 176 Pages - 04/19/2022 (Publication Date) - Callisto (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 3
Bird Watching Journal with Life List & Checklist - Improve Your Observation Skills With This Birding Log Book With Illustrations of North America’s Most Common Birds. A Thoughtful Gift for Bird Lovers
  • Pre-illustrated with BEAUTIFUL COLORED PICTURES of North America’s most common birds.
  • Here are the 3 main sections of this journal:
  • 1. LIFE LIST: List new species as you see them, with space for species name, location and date (120 entries over 8 pages).
  • 2. CHECKLIST: Gives each bird 8 columns, so you can divide each sighting of a bird up by location, year, season, who saw it, and more (120 entries over 10 pages).
  • 3. DETAILED SPECIES LISTING: Write all of the details about what you saw and heard, with plenty of space for both notes and sketches/photos (120 pages, 1 page per bird).
Bestseller No. 4
North American Birdwatching Handbook: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of North American Birds | Identify and Understand Species with Stunning Photos, Behavior Insights & Conservation Tips
  • Prescott, Henry (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 142 Pages - 01/10/2025 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 5
The Sibley Guide to Birds, 2nd Edition (Sibley Guides)
  • Sibley Guide To Birds, 2nd Ed
  • Sibley, David Allen (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 624 Pages - 03/11/2014 (Publication Date) - Knopf (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 6
National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America, 7th Edition
  • Alderfer, Jonathan (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 592 Pages - 09/12/2017 (Publication Date) - National Geographic (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 7
Feed the Birds: Attract and Identify 196 Common North American Birds
  • Earley, Chris (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 296 Pages - 09/20/2019 (Publication Date) - Firefly Books (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 8
The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of North America (Bird Books, Books for Bird Lovers, Humor Books)
  • Each entry is accompanied by facts about a bird's (annoying) call its (dumb) migratory pattern its (downright tacky) markings and more.|The essential guide to all things wings with migratory maps tips for birding musings on the avian population and the ethics of birdwatching.|Matt Kracht is an amateur birder writer and illustrator who enjoys creating books that celebrate the humor inherent in life's absurdities. Based in Seattle he enjoys gazing out the window at the beautiful waters of Puget Sound and making fun of birds.|A perfect coffee table or bar top conversation-starting book|Makes a great Mother's Day Father's Day birthday or retirement gift
  • Kracht, Matt (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 176 Pages - 04/02/2019 (Publication Date) - Chronicle Books (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 9
Birds of Florida Field Guide (Bird Identification Guides)
  • Tekiela, Stan (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 384 Pages - 09/29/2020 (Publication Date) - Adventure Publications (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 10

Last Word

Choosing the best bird identification books can significantly improve your birdwatching skills and enjoyment. Whether you prefer field guides or comprehensive reference books, there’s something for everyone. With the right book in hand, you’ll be well on your way to identifying and appreciating the diverse world of birds.

Kathy Gonzales

I'm an author of pigeonsmatter.com. I have kept pigeons as pets for over 20 years and have written several articles. Here in this blog, I cover topics such as how to care for pigeons, what to feed them, and how to keep them healthy.