National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of the United States and Canada, 8th edition

Ted Floyd is the editor of Birding, the magazine of the American Birding Association. He has written some 150 articles and book chapters on birds and natural history and five books, including Smithsonian Field Guide to the Birds of North America (HarperCollins, 2008), which received a starred review in PW; How to Know the Birds (National Geographic, 2019); and the East and West regional editions of this title (National Geographic, 2025). Recognized for his birding acumen and quirky intellect, Floyd is a frequent speaker at birding events globally. He has taught bird watchers of all ages and abilities and is especially interested in how new media enhance the observation and appreciation of nature. Floyd lives in Lafayette, Colorado, near Boulder.

"In its eighth edition, this venerable guide is a reborn marvel—new range maps, changes to avian taxonomy, the addition of Hawaii’s incredible birdlife, and perhaps best of all, all-new and deeply instructive text by Ted Floyd, one of the giants of the field. I’m not sure how this book could be any better."— Scott Weidensaul, author of A World on the Wing"Ted Floyd's extensive field experience and outstanding ability to communicate clearly shine, so I think the next generation of birders will be fortunate to have this guide as another fine tool in the tool box."— Wayne Petersen, Mass Audubon"An easy to read, user-friendly resource to enhance any birding experience."— Princeton Alumni Weekly"Many field guides are useful, but I never expected one to be so enjoyable as the new National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds, 8th edition. Ted Floyd's exuberant and evocative prose makes the birds feel like actual living creatures with personalities and histories, instead of just collections of field marks and geographical records. More than any other guide I've read, this one really captures why we love birds in the first place. I've spent countless hours reading it just for fun." —Ed Yong, author of An Immense World and I Contain Multitudes"The most up-to-date printed field guide available to birdwatchers who raise their binoculars all across the United States—including the Hawaiian Islands—and Canada. . . . I have . . . with appreciation noted the remarkable number of species this new edition includes (1,155 to be exact) and the increased attention given to more aspects that contribute to effective identification of birds in the field than just field marks."— John E. Riutta, The Well-Read Naturalist