Mark W. Lockwood

A complete guide to the many birds of the Lone Star State Texas is one of the best places for birding in North America as the diversity of habitats and shear breadth of the state means that birdwatchers can see birds of the western deserts and scrublands; the eastern woodlands, hills, and prairies; and the Gulf Coast marshes and wetlands. Suburban areas throughout the state also attract species of tremendous diversity, from tropical warblers to waterfowl. As a flyover state for many migrating species, backyard birders can see hundreds of species per year as they head north in the spring and south for the winter. The American Birding Association Field Guide to Birds of Texas includes more than 300 species birders are most likely to see in the state. Illustrated with hundreds of crisp, color photographs, it includes descriptions of each bird along with tips of when and where to see them, written by an expert Texas birder. It is the perfect companion for anyone interested in the amazing diversity and beauty of the birds of Texas.

The TOS Handbook of Texas Birds is the most ambitious edition yet of the Texas Ornithological Society checklist of Texas, based on the work of the Texas Bird Records Committee over almost three decades. This revised edition provides authoritative annotations on the abundance, status, and distribution of all species encountered in Texas; lists rare, introduced, and hypothetical species in the appendices; and offers a comprehensive reference section. The book covers more than 620 species of birds currently listed for Texas, with expert descriptions of the occurrence, 641 convenient range maps and distribution details, plus 150 color photographs by well-known bird photographers of Texas specialties, rarities, and species of conservation concern. A one-stop source of information on Texas birds, The TOS Handbook of Texas Birds is an essential companion for bird enthusiasts.

In this beautifully illustrated guide, two practicing wildlife biologists describe the life histories of forty-five species of ducks, geese, and swans that occur in Texas. For common species and those that breed in the state, each account begins with an interesting fact (such as, “Red-breasted Mergansers have been clocked at over 80 mph, the fastest recorded flight speed for a duck . . .”) and provides information on Texas distribution and harvest, population status, diet, range and habitats, reproduction, and appearance. Exquisite photographs, informative distribution maps, and a helpful source list accompany the species descriptions, and the book offers a glossary and full bibliography for those who want to explore the literature further. With the degradation and disappearance of the inland and coastal habitats that these birds depend upon, the natural history of these waterfowl species provides a vital reminder of the interconnectedness and crucial importance of all wetlands. Birders, biologists, landowners, hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and all those interested in the health and preservation of our coastal and inland wetland resources will enjoy and learn from this book.

Children from six to twelve are introduced to the most frequently seen and interesting Texas birds. Youngsters can color eye-catching line drawings of various birds in typical habitats, while an easy-to-read text gives important facts about the birds, and several fun games are instructive and challenging.