A Synopsis of the Birds of North America

This volume serves as a comprehensive index of the birds documented in the author’s earlier monumental works, bringing the countless species from the northern tip of Mexico to the Arctic into a single, orderly catalogue. By updating the scientific names and arranging the birds into families, genera and species, the author offers a clearer framework that reflects the most recent taxonomic thinking of his time. Though the classification is not the most finely split, it strikes a balance between detail and usability, making it a practical reference for anyone beginning to explore North American avifauna.

Each entry includes a concise description of the bird’s key characteristics, its typical range, and citations to the principal authorities who first described it. The author also points readers toward the illustrated plates that accompany his earlier publications, allowing them to match text with vivid artwork when the plates are consulted separately. Whether you are a student, a field naturalist, or simply a curious listener, this synopsis offers a solid foundation for recognizing and understanding the continent’s diverse feathered inhabitants.