For bird observers keen to sharpen their identification skills, there is an ever-expanding selection of literature to aid in self-study. One of the newest is this reference guide. The title immediately piqued my interest. To bird by “impression,” one does not focus on obscure field marks, e.g., the apical spot on the 9th primary. In this respect, the book is quite different from the requisite field guide or advanced identification book. The most intriguing aspect of the title is Knowing and Identifying Birds. “Knowing” a bird indicates a depth of understanding beyond mere identification. What the authors have attempted here is to put this level of understanding into words and photographs.