The Birds of America from Drawings Made in the United States and their Territories - Vol. I

Originally published in 1840, this early work on American ornithology is both expensive and hard to find in its first edition. It comprehensively details avian varieties and their characteristics and is accompanied by numerous illustrations of the different species.
From the author: Having been frequently asked, for several years past, by numerous friends of science, both in America and Europe, to present to them and to the public a work on the Ornithology of our country, similar to my large work, but of such dimensions, and at such price, as would enable every student or lover of nature to place it in his Library, and look upon it during his leisure hours as a pleasing companion—I have undertaken the task with the hope that those good friends and the public will receive the “Birds of America,” in their present miniature form, with that favour and kindness they have already evinced toward one who never can cease to admire and to study with zeal and the most heartfelt reverence, the wonderful productions of an Almighty Creator.