Birding Basics (7)
Introduction to birding. Describes basic aspects of birding for readers unfamiliar with this exciting hobby. Millions enjoy observing wild birds and the number of birders grows every year.

Types of Birds (22)
Provides list of individual species' accounts. Species accounts describe physical description, habitat associations, nesting habitat, common behaviors, conservation status, and where to find individual bird species.

Choosing Birding Supplies (5)
Provides overview of essential birding supplies. Describes basic birding equipment and some optional birding equipment. Gives general advice to beginning birders for obtaining birding gear.

Attracting Wild Birds (5)
Describes methods to attract wild birds. Birders can entice wild birds in many ways, such as with bird feeders, birdhouses, birdbaths, and bird-friendly gardens.

Finding Wild Birds (9)
Advises the beginning birder how to find wild birds. Describes common places to find wild birds including general bird habitats. Suggests ideas for birdwatching vacations. Encourages birders to practice good birdwatching ethics and etiquette.

Identifying Wild Birds (7)
Describes some basic techniques for identifying wild birds in the field. Beginners can become proficient identifying wild birds by focusing on some general physical markers and behaviors. Identfying wild birds involves observations of a bird’s size, shape, markings, flight pattern, foraging behavior. These cues and others reveal a bird’s identity.

Connect With Birders (6)
Describes different ways that birders can connect with others interested in birding. Lists some of the online organizations and hotlines that birders use to share exciting recent observations. Describes some of the many popular birding organizations that beginners can join.

Help Save Wild Birds (6)
Wild bird species around the world face many threats including loss of habitat, pollution, over-harvesting, and climate change. Fortunately, citizens can help save wild birds at home and abroad by making informed consumer choices, contributing to conservation organizations, and petitioning their government representatives.

Behavior and Populations (5)
Provides a list of key aspects of the natural history of wild birds including common behaviors and general aspects of bird populations. Gives examples of how certain bird species meet the minimum requirements for food, shelter, and reproduction.

Great Books About Birds (7)
Discusses books written entirely or in large part about birds meant for a general audience. Describes the different types of bird books and suggests recommended reading for the beginning birder

Birding Notes and Records (5)
Encourages beginning birders to develop note-taking and record-keeping habits. Discusses the benefits of listing species observed and recording behavioral observations. Life lists and other logs are described.

Birds and the Law (5)
Describes some of the laws pertaining to wild birds in the United States. A variety of international, national, and state treaties, laws, and regulations pertain to wild birds including the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Endangered Species Act.

Bird Glossary (5)
Provides definitions for common bird-related terms and birding jargon. The glossary is intended to be used as a reference tool for the beginning birder. Familiarity with common birding terms, including anatomical and plumage terms, will greatly aid the beginner in learning to identify birds in the field.

Physiology and Anatomy (6)
Provides a list of topics that discuss unique aspects of bird physiology and anatomy, including bird flight, feathers and molting, and bird senses.