Sparrows & finches of the Great Lakes region and eastern North America

Earley provides a guide to a group of birds often dismissed by novice birders as "little brown birds." The author, interpretive naturalist at the University of Guelph Arboretum and author of a field guide to warblers, explains the terminology, sets the species in their proper taxonomic context, illustrates the topographical features of birds, separates sparrows and finches from some confusing look-alikes, and charts their seasonal status. Each of 40 species accounts occupies two pages and includes sharp color photographs depicting sexual and seasonal differences; means for distinguishing each from similar appearing species; a description of their calls and songs; interesting notes on behavior; and a map showing the range at different times of year. Single photos and brief descriptions identify 20 vagrants and stragglers often seen in the range defined by the book. Near the end charts differentiate birds with similar features, i.e., "sparrows with rufous crowns...." A cheat sheet concludes the book, offering single phrase descriptions of each species. Two pages of references are mostly of current field guides and breeding bird atlases. For libraries of high schools and municipalities. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. General readers. H. N. Cunningham Jr. emeritus, Pennsylvania State University, Behrend College

This tidy little book provides a nice introduction. Sparrows, those "little brown jobs," have always presented an identification challenge for birders. Earley describes the 26 species of eastern sparrows (along with the much easier to recognize finches). One way to distinguish sparrows is by their throat patterns, which are illustrated in a box on the upper left of each account. Well-chosen clear photographs accompany each species and will be of great assistance in distinguishing among the species. This book also covers western vagrant species and has a useful "cheat sheet" and comparison photos. This terrific primer will be welcomed in all eastern libraries. --Nancy Bent Copyright 2003 Booklist

LBJs and you Those LBJs (Little Brown Jobs)! "They all look the same to me" seems to be a common statement from many beginning birders. And they do all look the same -- at first. With practice, persistence, and above all, patience, you will soon be able to identify sparrows and other birds with cone-shaped beaks, such as finches and buntings. When trying to identify birds it is important to remember the following motto: I don't know. Really, it's okay to say it. Too many birders will get an inconclusive view of a bird and then just guess. With practice, you can identify birds from incredibly short glimpses of them, but there will always be some "I don't knows" And even if you do get a good look and still can't identify the bird, you will have learned from the process. The next time you see that species, it will be familiar to you and you may see another field mark or behavior to help in its identification. And don't forget to watch the birds as well! Keeping a checklist is fun and a way to record your sightings, but careful observations will help you really understand these interesting creatures. Watching birds in their environment reveals interactions that link all of nature together. Excerpted from Sparrows and Finches of the Great Lakes Region and Eastern North America by Chris G. Earley, Chris Earley All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.