Kaufman's vast knowledge is restrained so that only the essentials for learning to watch birds is left. Pictorial table of contents, color coded indexing, seasonal range maps, arrows pointing out field marks, voice, precise text with key identifying feature marked. Until the Sibley guide, this was the field guide for serious birders. It is still a great book, with more species and the latest A.O.U. name changes. Plumage illustrations include males, females, winter, and some juvenal plumages.
Maps show the breeding and winter ranges.
Serious birders should own this and Sibley's new guide. His system of showing the major field marks with arrows is now used universally in identification books. Very accurate maps are included in an appendix, unfortunately, rather than on a facing page. His illustrations are true artwork. While the Sibley and National Geographic guides have mostly supplanted this book, it is still worthwhile.