In this article, I will cover the guided in general use. I will not recommend any particular guide, but I will mention some strengths and weakness of some guides. General field guide information Most guides have the same content, but that content is arranged differently for different guides. Most have an introduction, an anatomical illustration with labels, a table of content and an end-index with scientific names and common names. Each guide will also contain sketches or photographs of birds in various plumages, positions and genders.
Guides can cover specific sections of a geographical area, or can cover a large area.
Some are state-specific. There are also guides for areas all over the world. The National Geographic guides cover the entire of North America in one book, which is handy if you are traveling. The order of the birds in the guide can vary. Whatever the order, you MUST take time to familiarize yourself with the organization of your guide.