From the dunes and great river swamps of the Panhandle, the flat woods, scrubs, dry prairies, and wetlands of the Peninsula to the coral reefs of the Keys, the Sunshine State provides habitats for an amazing variety of birds. Florida is rich in protected and preserved habitats, including 11 National Parks, 171 State Parks and Trails, and 100 important Bird Areas. Conservation organizations maintain many sanctuaries for wildlife throughout Florida, attracting birds and providing access for visitors to enjoy the outdoors.
Written by expert birder Bill Pranty and filled with crisp, gorgeous color photography by Brian E. Small, American Birding Association Field Guide to Birds of Florida is the perfect companion for anyone learning more about the natural history and diversity of the state's birds and when and where to see them.
Bill Pranty has been birding since age 14 and joined both the American Birding Association (ABA) and Florida Ornithological Society (FOS) in 1984. He has compiled bird sightings statewide for the FOS Field Observations Committee since 1992 and is a former member of the FOS Records Committee. He serves as chair of the ABA Checklist Committee and a technical reviewer for Birding magazine. He has contributed more than 275 publications to the ornithological and birding literature, including the ABA Checklist, A Birder’s Guide to Florida, and Birds of Florida. He lives in Port Richey, Florida.
Brian E. Small is a professional bird and nature photographer with more than 20 years of experience. He served as the photo editor for the American Birding Association’s membership magazine Birding for the past 15 years. His father, Dr. Arnold Small, was one of the founding members and a former president of the ABA. He lives in Los Angeles.