Get Rapt About Raptors with New Crossley ID Guide

Ithaca, N.Y.-Putting a name to a bird is one of the thrills of bird watching. But that's a real challenge when it comes to raptors, with their changing plumages, deceptive sizes, and tendency to be seen at a distance. The Crossley ID Guide: Raptors, now available from Princeton University Press, features North American raptors in gorgeous double-page layouts that show the birds in varying light, different plumages, and from many vantage points.

"There are a lot of books out there that provide plumage details, but I really like the way Richard Crossley creates these panoramas showing birds in their habitat," says co-author Brian Sullivan, co-leader of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's eBird project. "I really enjoyed writing the introductions to each species account with Jerry Liguori. We tried to capture the essence of the bird in these vignettes through varying perspectives, and the species accounts are geared to simplify the identification of this notoriously challenging group."

The key to raptor ID in most cases begins with shape, Sullivan points out. "Learning to distinguish the shapes of the different groups of raptors can help you quickly limit your choices, after which you can focus on more subtle flight style differences and broad plumage patterns."

From the Red-tailed Hawk, to the Bald Eagle, Mississippi Kite, Osprey, and the Turkey Vulture, this new book spotlights the 34 species of North American diurnal raptors. With hawk migration now underway, these powerful, charismatic birds can be found in cities, suburbs, and country settings. There are many opportunities to test yourself with "mystery plates" scattered throughout the book.

"People love working out puzzles because they are fun and because they help us improve at whatever we do," says Richard Crossley. "The sense of accomplishment and understanding that come from figuring out the answer for ourselves is a powerful incentive to spend more time learning about and appreciating nature."

The Crossley ID Guide: Raptors is available online and in book stores. Grab a copy, get inspired, and go hawk-watching! Also check the Cornell Lab of Ornithology Facebook page for raptor quizzes during April.