Building on the superb foundation of the National Geographic field guide--in print continuously for more than a quarter-century--this generously-sized folio edition combines the award-winning features that have distinguished our portable guide with magnificently detailed oversize artwork in keeping with the Audubon tradition of bird illustration. Rescaled and enlarged to 150 percent of original size, the guide's 4,000-plus illustrations of North America's 970 bird species enable readers to appreciate every brushstroke of the beautiful artwork. With 700 enlarged and updated range maps based on the latest science, the book also showcases the richly detailed work of National Geographic's world-famous cartographers. Presented as both hardworking desk reference and as sumptuous art book, this highly collectible volume will be a stunning and practical addition to every birder's reference library, sure to be coveted by bird lovers, art lovers, and collectors of beautiful books alike. This unique volume can be equally admired on a coffee table and consulted as an essential reference.