The most information on all land and water birds of western North America and the Hawaiian Islands. -Organized by families and visual characteristics for quick, easy comparison and identification. -More than 1000 paintings, with over 500 in color--males, females, adults, juveniles, special plumages-grouped together for easy access. -Peterson Identification System shows you the point to look for with arrows and italics. -Extra drawings that let you compare similar species and families perched or overhead in flight; extra sketches for details that simplify difficult identifications -Complete and thorough treatment of accidentals and subspecies -More detail where it's needed--to help you with similar species, family characteristics, various songs and calls