"One of the most ambitious projects in the history of American ornithology." --Oehser

A.C. Bent's monumental work is the most oft-cited reference in North American ornithology, valued both for its extensive detail and anecdotal charm. It is as necessary to a birder's library as a Peterson field guide. It was originally published by the United States National Museum between 1919 and 1968. Twenty-three volumes were issued as twenty- one Bulletins of the USNM. The Diving Birds and Gulls and Terns volumes included colored egg plates. All volumes published in gray wrappers.

Decades later, Dover Publishing released a complete set of paperback reprints in 26 volumes. This set lacks the color plates of the original. While most of the Dover volumes are out of print, Buteo Books stocks the remaining in-print titles.

Complete sets and individual volumes in both the original USNM Bulletins and the Dover reprints are usually available from Buteo Books. Some volumes are more scarce than others. Our stock changes often, so price depends on availability. Please contact us to inquire about availability and price. See the Sale Section for volumes that are currently on sale at reduced prices.

The following titles in the Dover series are still in print:

• Life Histories of North American Wild Fowl. (Parts I & II in one volume). $15.95
• Life Histories of North American Marsh Birds. $13.95
• Life Histories of North American Wagtails, Shrikes, Vireos, and Their Allies. $11.95

The remaining volumes of the Dover series are usually available from Buteo Books as used books in Very Good condition. The Dover publication varied from the originals by publishing Jays, Crows and Titmice and Wood Warblers as two volumes, while publishing Wild Fowl as one volume. With the exception of Birds of Prey and Cardinals, which are highly sought after and therefore somewhat scarce, most volumes cost between $10 and $20. Please contact us to check availability.