From the Great Plains to the Arctic tundra, the American West, including Alaska, is home to a stunning variety of birds. This indispensable volume, both a field guide and a site-finding guide, provides an ideal introduction to the pleasures of birding west of the Mississippi. Featuring practical but little-known tips for identifying birds, it will be welcomed by beginning as well as seasoned birders. Birding in the American West: A Handbook *tells where to go, what birds to look for, and how to identify them. *describes the exciting and varied bird habitats found in the West. *is heavily illustrated with drawings and photographs to help birders in the field. *spells out useful techniques for distinguishing among similar-looking species and addresses difficult cases in far greater detail than do standard field guides. *features species accounts with valuable information on bird location, behavior, and field marks. *presents detailed listings by state on where to find birds, with an emphasis on the microhabitats of especially sought-after birds. *teaches bird-finding and bird-identifying skills applicable anywhere.