Bird photography - the most versatile lens?

["Mark" <>]

Without doubt the 400/5.6 or 
second choice the 100-400
Have a look at a Sigma 500/f4.5 as well
You cant have too much focal length !
The 200 will be too short - I have one and rarely use it
for herps I use a 180mm macro 
And my 80-400vr gets a 1.4x TC  more often than not.
Again go for a Sigma EX and get it from Delta international mail
order from the US it will be half the price it is here.

Mark