Peterson Reference Guide to Woodpeckers of North America

The Peterson Reference Guide to Woodpeckers of North America is a 300-page book written by Paradise Birding owner Steve Shunk. It includes chapters on  the anatomy, behavior, ecology and conservation of the 23 species of North American woodpeckers, and provides detailed species accounts for each one.  An extensive appendix includes information on the woodpecker family tree, and human-woodpecker interactions.

More about The Peterson Reference Guide to Woodpeckers of North America

Each species account includes information on distribution, breeding range, seasonal movements, winter range, breeding range, detection, vocal and nonvocal sounds, visual identification, plumages and molt, distinctive characteristics, similar species, geographic variation, subspecies, hybridization, breeding and non breeding behavior, courtship, parenting, dispersal, foraging, territory defense and sociality,interactions with other species, conservation, habitat threats, population changes, conservation status and management and references. The text is complemented by numerous illustrations and beautiful photography by many of the top photographers in the field. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2016. Sponsored by the Roger Tory Peterson Institute and the National Wildlife Federation.

Learn more about Steve's new book and the woodpeckers of North America on his companion site, Woodpecker Wonderland.