This is the first comprehensive field guide to the birds of the West
Indies to appear in more than fifty years. It covers all 564 bird
species known to occur in the region (including migrants and
infrequently occurring forms). Each species is represented by a full
description that includes identification field marks, local names,
status, habitat, voice, nesting, range, and comments about the bird. A
map showing the bird's distribution accompanies each species account.
Plumages of all species are depicted in eighty-six beautifully rendered
color plates. Twelve of these plates feature individual endemics from
each of twelve islands. Another seven plates feature the island endemics
of the largest islands: Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Puerto
Rico.Because the region is known for its extraordinary variety of
avifauna and because no other accurate modern account of its birdlife
exists, this book is a landmark publication that will be widely hailed
by serious birders and amateur birdwatchers alike. The authors pay
particular attention to endangered and threatened birds. For each island
or island group, local experts have been invited to provide a survey of
efforts made to date to conserve birds and their habitats. For many
years there has been a need for an up-to- date field guide that could
satisfy local residents, vacationing tourists, and "armchair travelers."
At last, that need has been met with this fully illustrated Guide to the
Birds of the West Indies.