Rich Stallcup (1944-2012) was a preeminent California field ornithologist, naturalist, and conservationist. He was founder of the Point Reyes Bird Observatory and the author of many articles and books on bird identification, biogeography, and conservation. Jules Evens is a wildlife biologist with four decades of experience observing Northern California's coastal birdlife. His previous books include The Natural History of the Point Reyes Peninsula (UC Press, 2008) and An Introduction to California Birdlife (UC Press, 2005).

"A handy, user-friendly reference ... Produced with real knowledge, care and affection, this guide serves as a wonderful companion." -- Laura Herrell American Reference Books Annual (ARBA)

• Preface Acknowledgments INTRODUCTION Boundaries Climate Habitats Taxonomy: Subspecies, Species, and Superspecies Plumage of Birds Dimorphism and Monomorphism Seasons and Migration Ethics of Birding FAMILY AND SPECIES ACCOUNTS Ducks, Geese, and Swans Loons Grebes Albatross Shearwaters and Fulmars Storm-Petrels Cormorants and Pelicans Herons, Egrets, Bitterns, and Ibis Vultures, Ospreys, Kites, Eagles, and Hawks Rails, Gallinules, and Coots Shorebirds Skuas and Jaegers Alcids Gulls and Terns Gallinaceous Birds Pigeons and Doves Owls Swifts Kingfishers Woodpeckers Falcons Perching Birds (Passerines) BIRDING OPPORTUNITIES AND ROADSIDE NATURE CENTERS Seasonal Occurrence Charts Glossary References Index

Rich Stallcup (1944-2012) was a preeminent California field ornithologist, naturalist, and conservationist. He was founder of the Point Reyes Bird Observatory and the author of many articles and books on bird identification, biogeography, and conservation. Jules Evens is a wildlife biologist with four decades of experience observing Northern California's coastal birdlife. His previous books include The Natural History of the Point Reyes Peninsula (UC Press, 2008) and An Introduction to California Birdlife (UC Press, 2005).

"A handy, user-friendly reference ... Produced with real knowledge, care and affection, this guide serves as a wonderful companion." -- Laura Herrell American Reference Books Annual (ARBA)

• Preface Acknowledgments INTRODUCTION Boundaries Climate Habitats Taxonomy: Subspecies, Species, and Superspecies Plumage of Birds Dimorphism and Monomorphism Seasons and Migration Ethics of Birding FAMILY AND SPECIES ACCOUNTS Ducks, Geese, and Swans Loons Grebes Albatross Shearwaters and Fulmars Storm-Petrels Cormorants and Pelicans Herons, Egrets, Bitterns, and Ibis Vultures, Ospreys, Kites, Eagles, and Hawks Rails, Gallinules, and Coots Shorebirds Skuas and Jaegers Alcids Gulls and Terns Gallinaceous Birds Pigeons and Doves Owls Swifts Kingfishers Woodpeckers Falcons Perching Birds (Passerines) BIRDING OPPORTUNITIES AND ROADSIDE NATURE CENTERS Seasonal Occurrence Charts Glossary References Index

Rich Stallcup (1944-2012) was a preeminent California field ornithologist, naturalist, and conservationist. He was founder of the Point Reyes Bird Observatory and the author of many articles and books on bird identification, biogeography, and conservation. Jules Evens is a wildlife biologist with four decades of experience observing Northern California's coastal birdlife. His previous books include The Natural History of the Point Reyes Peninsula (UC Press, 2008) and An Introduction to California Birdlife (UC Press, 2005).

"A handy, user-friendly reference ... Produced with real knowledge, care and affection, this guide serves as a wonderful companion." -- Laura Herrell American Reference Books Annual (ARBA)

• Preface Acknowledgments INTRODUCTION Boundaries Climate Habitats Taxonomy: Subspecies, Species, and Superspecies Plumage of Birds Dimorphism and Monomorphism Seasons and Migration Ethics of Birding FAMILY AND SPECIES ACCOUNTS Ducks, Geese, and Swans Loons Grebes Albatross Shearwaters and Fulmars Storm-Petrels Cormorants and Pelicans Herons, Egrets, Bitterns, and Ibis Vultures, Ospreys, Kites, Eagles, and Hawks Rails, Gallinules, and Coots Shorebirds Skuas and Jaegers Alcids Gulls and Terns Gallinaceous Birds Pigeons and Doves Owls Swifts Kingfishers Woodpeckers Falcons Perching Birds (Passerines) BIRDING OPPORTUNITIES AND ROADSIDE NATURE CENTERS Seasonal Occurrence Charts Glossary References Index