Stokes Beginner’s Guide to Birds

The Perfect Beginner’s Guide to Birds of the East

From America’s foremost authorities on birds, Donald and Lillian Stokes, comes this brilliantly colorful, pocket-size guide—an ideal introduction to the birds of the Eastern United States. Designed for beginners but valuable for all ages, this simple-to-use reference makes bird identification easy, enjoyable, and accessible.

Packed with dozens of vivid full-color photographs, the guide allows readers to quickly recognize the most common species found throughout the East. A unique organization based on plumage color makes identification intuitive, and a user-friendly color-tab index lets you flip straight to the birds you’re looking for. Alongside the photos, clear range maps and concise species profiles provide essential information on voice, habitat, feeding behavior, nest characteristics, eggs, and more.

Readers will also learn practical tips for attracting birds to their backyards—including choosing feeders, selecting the right foods, and creating welcoming habitats. Whether you’re just starting out or building your skills, this compact, field-ready guide is a trusted companion for exploring and understanding local birdlife.

• Covers 100 common Eastern bird species
• Organized by plumage color for fast identification
• Color-tab index for quick reference
• Brilliant full-color photos of each species
• Separate images for males and females when plumage differs
• Includes range maps, habitat details, and behavior notes
• Tips for feeding, attracting, and observing birds
• Pocket-size and easy to carry