List of Plates 6
Preface 9
Acknowledgments 13
Introduction 17
Taxonomy 17
Book Format 21
Key to Maps 27
Identifying Birds of Prey 28
Anatomy and Plumage Glossary 31
Anatomy and Plumage Plate 33
Age Classification and Molt Stages 37
In-Flight Field-Visible Wing and Tail Molt Plate 49
Species Accounts 50
Southwestern Specialty Species 286
Bibliography 343
Abbreviations 356
Index 357

Birds of Prey of the West and its companion volume, Birds of Prey of the East, are the most comprehensive and authoritative field guides to North American birds of prey ever published. Written and lavishly illustrated with stunning, lifelike paintings by leading field-guide illustrator, photographer, and author Brian Wheeler, the guides depict an enormous range of variations of age, sex, color, and plumage, and feature a significant amount of plumage data that has never been published before. The painted figures illustrate plumage and species comparisons in a classic field-guide layout. Each species is shown in the same posture and from the same viewpoint, which further assists comparisons. Facing-page text includes quick-reference identification points and brief natural history accounts that incorporate the latest information. The range maps are exceptionally accurate and much larger than those in other guides. They plot the most up-to-date distribution information for each species and include the location of cities for more accurate reference. Finally, the guides feature color habitat photographs next to the maps. The result sets a new standard for guides to North America's birds of prey.

• Lavishly illustrated with stunning, lifelike paintings
• Written and illustrated by a leading authority on North American birds of prey
• Depicts more plumages than any other guide
• Concise facing-page text includes quick-reference identification points
• Classic field-guide layout makes comparing species easy
• Large, accurate range maps include up-to-date distribution information
• Unique color habitat photographs next to the maps

Brian K. Wheeler has been studying, painting, and photographing birds of prey throughout the United States and Canada for more than fifty years. He is the illustrator of Hawks of North America (Peterson Field Guides), the coauthor and photographer of A Photographic Guide to North American Raptors (Princeton), and the author and photographer of Raptors of Eastern North America and Raptors of Western North America (Princeton). His photographs have appeared in many other books and in many bird magazines.