Herbert A. Raffaele

The only fully illustrated guide to feature all the bird species of Puerto Rico and the Virgin IslandsThis portable and informative field guide describes the bird species found on Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Fully updated, the guide presents all 347 species, both naturally occurring as well as introduced, and highlights 19 endemic species found nowhere else in the world. Species are sorted by habitat to facilitate identification and extra illustrations are provided for birds similar in appearance. The only fully illustrated guide to feature all 347 bird species in Puerto Rico and the Virgin IslandsSpecies sorted by habitat for easier identificationText and illustrations on facing pages for ease of identificationExtensive introduction covering taxonomy, migration, biogeography, and conservationUseful information on birding hotspots throughout the region

A compact yet comprehensive guide to the birds of the West Indies. The islands of the Caribbean feature among their number some of the great destinations in world birding, including a host of special endemics. The islands are the haunt of scarce seabirds, dazzling hummingbirds, macaws and amazons, and in the todies and spindalises there are even some endemic families, while a wide suite of birds – notably warblers – either winter or pass through en route to North American breeding grounds. This compact guide is the perfect accompaniment to any birdwatching break in the region. Stunningly illustrated throughout, the book features detailed accounts of more than 600 species across more than 100 plates, with facing text describing field marks, range, status, voice and habitat. Accurate distribution maps are included, along with a colour code for endemics and an incisive introduction that discusses avifaunal changes in the Caribbean in recent years. Now in its second edition, this book is the only guide you'll need to help you enjoy the rich birdlife of these tropical island nations.

An updated edition of the acclaimed field guide to the spectacular birds of the West IndiesBirds of the West Indies is the first field guide that covers and depicts all birds known to occur in the region, including infrequently occurring and introduced forms. Now fully updated and expanded, this stunningly illustrated book features detailed accounts of more than 600 species, describing identification field marks, range, status, voice, and habitat. There are more than 100 beautiful color plates that depict plumages of all species—including those believed to have recently become extinct—as well as distribution maps, a color code for endemic birds, and an incisive introduction that discusses avifaunal changes in the West Indies in the past fifteen years and the importance of conservation. Covers more than 60 new species, including vagrants, introductions, and taxonomic splitsUpdates the status of every speciesFeatures illustrations for all new species and improved artwork for warblers and flycatchersColor codes endemic species confined to one or just a few islandsIncludes many new and enhanced mapsProvides bird weights for each speciesCompact and easy to use in the field

This is the first comprehensive illustrated guide to the natural world of the Caribbean islands. It contains 600 vivid color images featuring 451 species of plants, birds, mammals, fish, seashells, and much more. While the guide primarily looks at the most conspicuous and widespread species among the islands, it also includes rarely seen creatures--such as the Rhinoceros Iguana and Cuban Solenodon--giving readers a special sense of the region's diverse wildlife. Each species is represented by one or more color photos or illustrations; details regarding its identification, status, and distribution; and interesting aspects of its life history or relationship to humans. In addition, an introductory section focuses on the unique characteristics of the Caribbean's fauna and flora, the threats faced by both, and some of the steps being taken to sustain the area's extraordinary natural heritage. Wildlife of the Caribbean is the essential field guide for learning about the living wonders in this area of the world. * The only guide of its kind for the Caribbean islands*600 detailed color images feature 451 amazing species* Straightforward descriptions suitable for general audience* Compact size makes the guide easy to carry

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.