What Bird is That? A Pocket Museum of the Land Birds of the Eastern United States Arranged According to Season

"What Bird is That?" by Frank M. Chapman is a comprehensive guidebook on the birds of Eastern North America, written in the early 20th century. This work is intended for birdwatchers and enthusiasts, providing insights on bird identification, behavior, and seasonal migration patterns. It serves as both an educational resource and a reference for identifying various species based on their seasonal appearances. The opening of the book introduces Chapman's role as the Curator of Birds at the American Museum of Natural History, where he shares insights into the arrangement of bird collections designed to help students easily identify local bird life. He discusses the importance of understanding seasonal bird populations, outlining how the collection provides a monthly overview of observable species, starting with winter residents and advancing through migratory periods. Additionally, Chapman emphasizes practical steps for bird watchers, such as using field gear, notating observations, and comparing identified birds to illustrated examples, setting the stage for a thorough exploration of avian life throughout the seasons. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Frank Michler Chapman was an American ornithologist and pioneering writer of field guides.