Volume 1 contains detailed information on the ecology, status, and distribution of all species. Introductory chapters deal with geography, climate and vegetation; bird migration in Ecuador, Ecuadorian ornithology; endemic bird areas in Ecuador; and conservation. Individual species accounts treat habitat, distribution and taxonomy. Volume 2 illustrates all species in colour, including migrants and vagrants and visually distinctive subspecies. The text focuses on the field identification aspects of each species, including their behaviour, vocalisations, and nest appearance.