Petrels, Albatrosses and Storm-Petrels of North America

Petrels, Albatrosses and Storm-Petrels of North America is a comprehensive field guide covering 70 species of tubenoses found in North American waters. This reference work includes detailed species accounts with identification tips, distribution maps, and insights into behavior and ecology. The book contains over 900 photographs showing these seabirds in their natural habitats and various plumages. The extensive photographic documentation helps readers understand how to identify similar species and age classes in the field. Each species account provides information on taxonomy, measurements, molt patterns, and seasonal occurrence. The guide also includes sections on observation techniques, current conservation status, and methods for differentiating challenging species pairs. This volume represents a significant contribution to seabird literature, combining technical precision with accessibility for both researchers and enthusiasts. The work bridges gaps in existing knowledge about these ocean-dwelling birds while establishing new standards for pelagic bird identification guides.

Readers consistently call this the most comprehensive reference on North American tubenoses, though note it is quite technical and dense. Liked: - Detailed plumage descriptions and molt patterns - High quality photographs showing key identification features - In-depth coverage of subspecies and variations - Strong focus on at-sea identification Disliked: - Text can be overwhelming for beginners - Some readers found the species sequence confusing - Price point ($45-65) considered high - Physical size makes it impractical for field use Ratings: Goodreads: 4.62/5 (13 ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (46 ratings) Sample review: "An incredible amount of information...though it takes dedication to work through. Not for casual birders but invaluable for serious seabirders." - Amazon reviewer Another reader noted: "The photographic documentation alone justifies the purchase. Nothing else comes close for pelagic bird ID."

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🌊 Despite their remarkable ability to soar across vast oceans, many petrels and albatrosses return to exactly the same nest site year after year, often within inches of their previous spot. 🦅 The book features over 900 photographs, including the first-ever published images of Murphy's Petrel in flight in the Eastern Pacific. 📚 Author Steve N. G. Howell spent over 4,000 hours at sea researching seabirds to create this comprehensive guide, often in challenging conditions and remote locations. 🔍 The work corrects numerous long-standing errors in seabird identification, including the first proper documentation of age-related plumage changes in several species. 🌎 The largest flying bird covered in the book is the Wandering Albatross, with a wingspan that can exceed 11 feet (3.4 meters) - the largest of any living bird species.