Birds of Ontario

Janet Arnett is the former campus manager of adult education at Ontario’s Georgian College. She is the author of Antiques and Collectibles: Starting Small, The Grange at Knock, and 673 Ways to Save Money.

These field guides are packed with extras. Fibre-reinforced covers,
color coding of pages by family groups, comparative species quick
reference tables, a glossary, color-coded range maps, and comprehensive
provincial checklists are some of the added-value features that will
earn bonus points from active birders. The guides are meant to be used
on the go. The organization of material and physical design make the
books practical in the field when speed is needed to zero in on
identification.

Ontario, which extends further south than Manitoba, has a larger
breeding species count. Consequently, the Ontario guide is nearly double
the size of the Manitoba one. The Ontario guide covers 318 nesting plus
37 occasional species. The Manitoba guide has 145 of the most common
species found in that province, including the burrowing owl (not found
in Ontario).

Both books introduce each species with an overview, an excellent color
illustration, and details on identification marks, size, habitat,
nesting, feeding, song/voice, and status (common to rare). Best sites
for spotting the species, scientific name, and a brief comparison to
similar species round out the listing. The Manitoba guide lists the top
50 birding hot spots in the province and gives details (habitat and
species) on 12 of these. The Ontario book lists 100 top sites and
provides notes on 21.

In most cases, the illustrations show the adult bird in breeding
plumage. When male/female differences are pronounced, both are shown.
Although the work of three different artists, the illustrations are
compatible, with an emphasis on clarity of identification
characteristics.

As well as being practical for field use, the books are attractive,
with quality illustrations and clear text; each yields many hours of
off-season browsing.