This is the most complete and authoritative reference book about the birds of North America -- up to date and in field-guide format. "The Birder's Handbook" is the first of its kind: a portable library of fascinating information not included in your identification guide. For each of the 646 species of birds that breed in North America, "The Birder's Handbook" will tell you at a glance: * Where the bird nests, and which sex(es) build(s) the nest; * How many eggs the bird lays, what they look like, which patent incubates and for how long, and how the young are cared for; * Food preferences and foraging habits. You will also find information about displays and mating, wintering, conservation status, and much more. In addition, "The Birder's Handbook" contains some 250 short essays covering all aspects of avian natural history.