Oceanic birds are among the most remarkable but least known of all birds, living at sea, far from the sight of most people. They offer unusual identification challenges―many species look similar and it can be difficult to get good views of fast-flying birds from a moving boat. The first field guide to the world's oceanic birds in more than two decades, this exciting and authoritative book draws on decades of firsthand experience on the open seas. It features clear text filled with original insights and new information and more than 2,200 carefully chosen color images that bring the ocean and its remarkable winged inhabitants to life. Never before have oceanic birds been presented in such an accessible and comprehensive way.

The introduction discusses the many recent developments in seabird taxonomy, which are incorporated into the species accounts, and these accounts are arranged into groups that aid field identification. Each group and species complex has an introductory overview of its identification challenges, illustrated with clear comparative photos. The text describes flight manner, plumage variation related to age and molt, seasonal occurrence patterns, migration routes, and many other features.

The result is an indispensable guide for exploring birding's last great frontier.

A comprehensive, authoritative, and accessible guide to oceanic birds
Covers more than 270 species
Includes more than 2,200 color photos with concise captions noting key features
Features careful species comparisons, overviews of the latest taxonomy, tips on how to observe and ID birds at sea, and much more

Table of contents :
Cover
Title
Coyright
Contents
Preface
How to Use This Book
Format of the Species Accounts
Abbreviations and Some Terms Explained
Introduction
Taxonomy and Types of Oceanic Birds
Identifying Seabirds at Sea
Molt—Yes, It Can Be Useful
Where and How to See Oceanic Birds
Conservation
Species Accounts and Plates
Penguins
Alcids
Diving-Petrels
Petrels
Albatrosses
Storm-Petrels
Tropicbirds
Frigatebirds
Gannets and Boobies
Skuas and Jaegers
Gulls and Terns
Phalaropes
Appendices
Acknowledgments
References
Index