Have you ever heard a bird chirping in your yard and wondered which one it is? These bird books will help you identify fine feathered friends that fly the friendly skies. By adding one of these texts to your home library, you can easily reference the species and learn more about how it eats, nests, and more. Whether you’re a bird watcher or want to provide some educational resources for children, you'll find the info you need in the bird books we've selected. Check out our collection below.
What It's Like to Be a Bird: From Flying to Nesting, Eating to Singing—What Birds Are Doing, and Why
Includes 330 bird pictures
This is a robust guide that will fit on your home bookshelf.
Pros:
- Easy to reference
- Illustrated by the author
- 240 pages
- Available in hardcover
Cons:
- No index in book
- Kindle version is a bit buggy
Written by an author who has contributed to many prestigious publications, this book offers a deeper insight into all bird types. You can choose to own it in hardcover or as a Kindle eBook. Inside, you'll find 330 bird pictures illustrated by the author. But it doesn't just focus on bird identification, you'll also learn about nesting and feeding habits, as well as other tasks birds partake in. The writing is filled with thought-provoking information about why birds behave as they do.
National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds: Eastern Region
Incredibly durable binding
This text is built for traveling with you in the great outdoors.
Pros:
- Real-life photos
- 800-pages long
- Indexing at the end
Cons:
- No eBook version
- Hard to keep open with one hand
If you're planning on hiking, camping, or doing any trekking across forested terrain, this is the guidebook for you. The vinyl-bound spine stands up to daily abuse as you search for each bird. It's packed with 800 pages of in-depth details about birds, making it a must for any watcher. An index at the back of the book makes revisiting birds you've spotted much easier. There's no eBook option, but we don't think it would deliver like the physical version anyway.
National Geographic Backyard Guide to the Birds of North America, Second Edition
An educational and easy read
This is a second edition with even more fun facts about birds.
Pros:
- Covers 150 birds
- Can be placed in your pocket
- Includes birdhouse guide
Cons:
- Only covers North American birds
- No Kindle version
Learn about North American birds in this stunning guide from National Geographic. There are 256 pages filled with beautiful photos and facts about each bird type. You'll also learn how to feed specific birds and build housing for them so they visit your yard more often! We really love the layout on each page because it makes the information easy to digest without becoming overwhelming. Plus, it's available in a lightweight paperback cover—perfect for tossing in your bag.
Bird Songs: 250 North American Birds in Song
Listen to each bird sing
This option will make an interesting coffee table book because it offers an interactive experience.
Pros:
- Full-color pages
- Built-in speaker for bird songs
- Adjustable volume
Cons:
- Batteries not included
- Can be viewed as a bit juvenile
When adults or kids are visiting, it's nice to have some entertaining books available in your living room. This title offers an interactive experience that all ages can enjoy: listening to bird songs. On the 368 pages, you'll find details for 250 North American birds with up-to-date scientific information. This would be a great gift for anyone who likes reading with kids since it's a bit long. And thankfully, the volume is adjustable to prevent the bird calls from disturbing others in the household.
My Backyard Bird Book: Fun Facts & Surprising Secrets
A very easy read with full-color pages
This bird-focused page-turner includes fun facts for children.
Pros:
- Available in paperback or on Kindle
- Educational
- Easy-to-read font size
Cons:
- Mostly East coast birds
- A bit short
Nurture the curiosity of the child in your life by selecting this title. It has 52 pages of fun facts about feathery friends, as well as full-color photos to make identifying them easier. The lightweight paperback option is easy for kids to handle, but might see some wear, so the Kindle version could be a better choice. Large lettering on each page helps new readers keep their spot, encouraging them to continue reading. Although this title is packed with facts and photos, we wish it was a bit lengthier so kids wouldn't outgrow it so quickly.
Which bird book sings to you?
Choosing the best book from this collection is tough, as they all offer something unique. Thankfully, you're not limited to choosing only one, but if we had to, we'd opt for What It's Like to Be a Bird: From Flying to Nesting, Eating to Singing—What Birds Are Doing, and Why by David Allen Sibley. The amount of information in this text really demonstrates the depth of knowledge and passion the author has for the subject. All of the illustrations are colorful, peaceful, and make birds easy to identify. Whether you're a bird lover yourself or know someone who is, this book will not disappoint.
If you'd also like to get the kids involved, consider a book that will interest their age group and yours. Bird Songs: 250 North American Birds in Song, by Les Beletsky, offers audio samples of 250 North American birds. Hearing the unique sounds will help in identification, and keep both you and a young reader engaged on the topic. We also enjoy how the volume is adjustable to suit the environment.
Why trust us?
At GardeningEtc, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.
