Basics: 2003, hardcover, 131 pages, 245 color photos of 44 species, range maps

This is a good, easy to use, compact guide for anyone wanting to learn or to practice the warblers found in the eastern US and Canada. The book is straight forward, offers quick easy descriptions, and excellent photographs for each bird. Although the book focuses on the eastern warblers, some photos are included for the infrequent straggler from the West.

The 245 color photos do a superb job of showing each bird in multiple photos. At least 3-7 photos are shown for each bird, except for the western birds and a couple of the eastern birds (Worm-eating and Kirtland’s) that receive only one or two photos. An additional plus is the inclusion of 5 photos of hybrids between Golden-winged and Blue-winged Warblers (2 Lawrence’s and 3 Brewster’s).

A few other nice additions are found in the back of the book. A table presents 9 different characteristics that help to differentiate the two waterthrushes. Another two tables do the same for 11 of the fall-plumaged warblers. Lastly, 29 smaller photos at the back focus on comparing the confusing plumages of the fall warblers. And, 35 photos show a photo for the colorful spring plumages.

The text for each bird does its best to simply present the key identification notes. Brief sections with concise information are offered for each of the male and female spring plumages, the male and female autumn and, where relevant, the first fall plumage. Additional notes are sometimes offered for the voice or for other behavioral comments.

The range maps use a standard template showing all of North and South America. Red depicts the summer range while yellow denotes winter; orange is for the year-round resident. It’s good to see the outlines of each US state and of the countries since this provides better reference.

Although this book might be a little too introductory for the experienced birder, the photos will still be appreciated. This book might not contain anything not already found in the complete US field guides but it does present the information a little more simply and with a greater reliance on good photos for the birders who want to focus on just these birds during the short migration time.

I’ve listed several related books below…
1) Warblers by Dunn/Garrett
2) Chasing Warblers by Thornton
3) Warblers of America by Griscom
4) Warblers of North America by Chapman
5) Warblers of the Americas by Curson et al.
6) Wood Warblers' World by Harrison
7) Golden-cheeked Warbler by Pulich
8) Kirtland's Warbler by Walkinshaw
9) The Kirtland's Warbler by Mayfield
10) Life Histories of North American Wood Warblers: I & II by Bent ( )