Page counts vary widely, from short pocket guides to large reference volumes. In this set they range from 22 pages up to 456 pages, with common lengths including 22, 104, 240, 256, 264, 320, and 456 pages.
Most guides are aimed at adults (listed as "22 Years and Up"), while there are also children's guides targeted at ages 5–12 years.
Guides are organized either by taxonomic order or by color and commonly include full-color photographs, comparison notes for look-alikes, and range maps to help with identification.
Extras include maps and bird-finding information, kids’ activities (like building a birdhouse and preparing bird food), range maps and multiple photos per species, and bonus resources such as a free bird ID app plus tips on identification, photography, birdscaping, and feeding.
Waste-free blends typically leave little or no shell debris (often no sunflower hulls), are fully edible, may include added calcium, use a concentrated formula to last longer in feeders, and are marketed to attract species like cardinals, finches, buntings, and nuthatches.
Listings and reviews specifically name cardinals, finches, indigo buntings, and nuthatches, and describe the blends as attracting a variety of backyard birds.
Books provide full-color photographs with multiple shots per species (male, female, immature, morphs, breeding and nonbreeding plumage), sometimes four photos per species, along with current range maps or seasonal distribution information to support year-round identification.
