Content (9/10)New editions of this book come out on a regular basis as the information about the birds changes. So, you can be sure the information in this guide is up to date and relevant. The most recent edition (pictured above) is the 6th edition published in 2005.
The content for each species is clear and concise. Each bird featured in this book has a write about that species. The majority of the write-ups include a description, info about distribution, a voice description and a description on the bird's habits. For many of the write-ups the distribution section also includes where these birds can be seen (i.e. what National Parks the birds are found in), which I found particularly helpful. Also, every species in the book is also associated with one or more symbols generally found in the top right hand corner of the description (see the below image). The symbols represent various things including if a species is endemic, indigenous, alien, a visitor or an endangered species. The symbols make determining native species very quick and easy.
My only complaint about the content in this book is that the content only covers the birds found on the land portions of the island and common marine birds, it is therefore missing other species sometimes seen on the Hawaiian Islands (for example gulls and parrots). This is both good and bad. Good because it keeps the book small and light, but bad because in the off chance you do see a species not in the book you may not be able to identify it and might also choose to carry a supplemental field guide. The only time I found this to be a problem was with all of the parrot species in Oahu, which are not covered in the book. Overall I give this book a 9/10 for its superb and concise content.
Description for the Wandering Tattler. The "V" symbol in the top right hand corner indicates that this species is a winter visitor. Notice the Hawaiian name at the top of the page. Hawaiian names are also provided for species that have one which is very helpful.
Organization (7/10)Personally I prefer guides which list bird species taxonomically. The Hawaii Birds guide lists species according to habitat (i.e. forest birds, open country birds, marine birds, wetland birds etc). I understand that for many people this makes identifying birds easier. If you see a bird you simply find their habitat type and search through the birds in this section until you find it. The problem is that while many birds do stick to certain habitats, birds don't sit still and some of the birds listed in this book can be found in more than one habitat. For example in the book the Ercekel's Francolin is listed as an open country species, but I have observed this species many times in a forest. I have also observed I'iwi's in a relatively open areas. Habitats are not always a conclusive way of identifying birds.
Overall the organization of the book is good. The species descriptions and photos are found on the same page as one another, which I really like. Each habitat is introduced at the beginning of each section (i.e. forest, marine etc.) with a page of information about plants, weather and other important habitat notes. Bird lists are found at the back of the book with the maps and the symbols make it easy to distinguish between exotic and native species. Having said that, I still prefer the to be listed birds in guides; but this is just my personally preference. For this reason I have given the book an 7/10 for organization.
Photos/Illustrations (9/10)
Another personal preference of mine in a field guide are illustrations (plates) rather than photos. Typically with illustrations you can capture all of the key characteristics and various plumages which may not be visible in photographs. That being said, the photos in the Hawaii's Birds guide are fantastic. Most of the photos are clear and provide close-ups of the birds. Species for which there are no photographs (due to the possibility of extinction) are represented by illustrations which are somewhat dated (some new illustrations would be appreciated by readers I believe). For this reason and because there are a few small and hard to distinguish photos I give the photographs and illustrations a 9/10. Overall they are very helpful for identifying the species they represent.
Wandering Tattler and Sanderling photographs.
Portability (10/10)
This book is over 145 pages and is quite thin and very light. Size-wise it is 13 cm in width, 18 cm in length and 0.9 cm thick, allowing for easy transportation. The size and lightness of this book makes it extremely portable, therefore I give it a 10/10.
Bird List (10/10)
There is a list at the back of the book which lists all of the species in the book, which island(s) they are found on and their occurrence (i.e. common, fairly common, uncommon, extinct etc.). In addition there are also symbols which indicate if a species is endangered or extinct. The bird list is very clear, easy to read and well laid out including two different colours of blue to help differentiate the columns. The birds are also listed taxonomically! I'm giving the bird list a 10/10 because it is extremely user friendly and well laid out.
Bird list at the back of the book. Notice the red "E" and the orange "T" symbol indicating endangered or threatened species.
Maps (10/10)
At the very back of the book (the last few pages) are 4 maps of the major Hawaii Islands (Kauai, Maui, Oahu and Hawaii). The maps are in full colour and demonstrate the popular birding areas found on each of the islands. Below each map is a list of the birding areas indicated on the map and the types of birds found there- organized by habitat (i.e. forest birds, open country birds, urban birds etc.). The maps are very clear and its very helpful that they include the popular birding areas so that visitors can plan their trip accordingly. The maps definitely get a 10/10.
Overall (55/60)
This book is well worth the purchase! If your going to buy only one bird guide before you visit the beautiful Hawaii Islands this is definitely the book to get. Its small and light weight making it fit easily into any carry-on bag (including purses) and has 99% of the information on the birds of Hawaii that you will need. Keep in mind it does not cover all of the species found on the Hawaiian Islands, parrots and gulls for example are absent, so you may want to carry a supplemental guide. However, for the most part this is the only guide you will need. I cannot recommend this field guide highly enough. Try it out for yourself and I bet you will be as happy as I am.
You can purchase the Hawaii's Birds field guide from Hawaii Audubon's website. Make sure you order it well in advance to accommodate shipping. In addition to this book I also recommend purchasing the Voice's of Hawaii's Birds. These CD's contain over 183 separate calls from Hawaiian birds and are easily transferred to an ipod for use while travelling.
I hope you enjoy birding the Hawaiian Islands with this book and CD's as much as I do!
~ Good Birding!
Kristen Martyn
Source: http://naturatours.blogspot.com/2011/05/book-review-hawaiis-birds.html
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