"Philip's Mini Guide to Birds" has been organized following the latest classification of orders of birds - beginning with wildfowl and ending with passerines. The book begins with a brief introduction on how to identify birds and the best strategies to help gain a successful identification. Also covered is information on the anatomy of birds to help those new to birdwatching to make note of specific physical characteristics for comparative purposes. Following the introduction are the 250 individual species accounts with accompanying illustrations and distribution map. The descriptions are organized into easy-to-navigate headings that cover both common and scientific names, physical appearance, information on both flight pattern and call, and other general notes of interest that may help the reader to make a correct identification.Accompanying the informative text are beautifully rendered and generously scaled artworks. The artworks show either back, front or side views, male and female adults where there is a distinct difference, or juvenile plumage if it varies markedly from the adult. In addition, smaller artworks may show display or flight if this will help identification. The artwork also features leader lines to annotation that highlights key identifying characteristics of the species, while an at-a-glance 'Key Identification' checkbox lists three essential physical features to look for when attempting to name a species. Additional information can be gleaned from the newly researched distribution maps, which where necessary show breeding areas, established migration areas, wintering areas and all-year-round residency.
