Although it is one of South America's smallest countries, Ecuador is home to nearly 1,600 species of birds. This is thanks to the huge variety of habitats created by the Andes. The country is a birder's paradise and an increasingly popular tourist destination. Areas such as Tandayapa, Mindo and La Selva are renowned for their birdwatching potential and boast such dramatic species as Toucan Barbet, Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Andean Condor, Giant Conebill and Ocellated Tapaculo, plus an array of brightly coloured manikins, cotingas, tanagers and hummingbirds. Offshore, the Galapagos Islands provide one of the world's greatest wildlife spectacles.
Two hundred and fifty-two of Ecuador and the Galapagos' most interesting and spectacular birds are featured in this concise and easy-to-use guide, with each illustrated in full colour with key information on ID, habitat and distribution.
Clive Byers is first and foremost a birder. He works freelance as an artist and illustrator, photographer, writer, lecturer and guide, but there are usually birds involved. He has led many trips to various parts of the world, including every country in South America. He has provided artwork for bird books covering the Indian Subcontinent, South-East Asia and many other regions.