The Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand (2015 edition)

By Hugh Robertson, Barrie Heather & Derek Onley Penguin, paperback, 464 pages, $55 This is the modern classic of the genre, the tried and trusted reference for lovers of New Zealand birds. Comprehensive, reliable and easy-to-use, this fourth revised edition features 374 species, including 35 new additions, the book’s biggest revision since it was first published. There are also 85 stunning colour paintings of New Zealand birds, including rare and recently extinct species, an introduction to key bird-watching sites, distribution maps, and an in-depth guide to field identification. There’s also an additional handbook section that includes information on the distribution, habitat, population, conservation, breeding, behaviour, and feeding habits of each species.