The publication of quickly established David Allen Sibley as the author and illustrator of the nation’s supreme and most comprehensive guide to birds. Used by millions of birders from novices to the most expert, became the standard by which natural history guides are measured. The second edition builds on this foundation of excellence, offering massively expanded and updated information, new paintings, new and rare species, and a new, elegant design. The second edition of this handsome, flexibound volume offers a wealth of improvements and updates: • All illustrations reproduced 15 to 20 percent larger for better detail. • Includes nearly 7,000 paintings digitally remastered from original art for enhanced print quality. • Expanded text includes habitat information and voice description for every species and more tips on finding birds in the field. • More than 600 new paintings, including illustrations of 115 rare species and additional paintings of common species and regional populations. • More than 700 updated maps of ranges, showing winter, summer, year-round, migration, and rare ranges. • 85 bird family pages now cross-referenced to species accounts. • Revised taxonomic order and most current common names for every species. second edition, brings the genius of David Allen Sibley to the world once again in a volume that every birder must own.