Evolution of the Field Guide

How well do these field guides meet the criteria we determined?

Evolution of the (Birding) Field Guide

1889

Birds Through an Opera-GlassFlorence Merriam

1895

Handbook of Birds of Eastern North AmericaFrank Chapman

1900s

Pocket GuidesChester Reed

1904

Guide to the Birds of New England and Eastern New YorkRalph Hoffmann

1934

A Field Guide to the BirdsRoger Tory Peterson

• Combined physical descriptions, seasonal information, and behavior.
• Looked beyond plumage to habitat and habits for identification.
• Pioneered multi-faceted identification methods.

A Guide to the Birds of New England & Eastern New York

Ralph Hoffmann

• Portable guides for field use; covered regional species.
• Simple photo-reproduced oil paintings.
• Dominated the market before Peterson’s guide.

Land Birds Guide

Chester A. Reed

• Detailed scientific descriptions; hard for quick field identification.
• Lacked concise clues for beginners
• Chapman later developed the Color Key to North American Birds (1903), simplifying field-use descriptions.

Handbook of Birds of Eastern North America

Frank Chapman

• Focused on key visual patterns and simplified illustrations.
• Grouped similar species on plates; emphasized functional art.
• Foundational for modern birding.

A Field Guide to the Birds

Roger Tory Peterson

• Introduced humane birding by observation rather than hunting.
• Described ~70 common birds near homes and countryside.
• Encouraged bird conservation and nature study.

Birds Through an Opera Glass

Florence Merriam