United States
£ GBP
Language: English
This field guide includes original illustrations of 1,879 species of birds, the majority of which have been updated from the earlier edition. Field Guide to the Birds of Colombia has been updated and the quality of printing has been one of the main objectives to launch this new edition. This guide is the most complete field guide to Colombian birds to date. With this small field book, the publisher wants to redefine what a field guide is. It not only is a scientific text, result of research and hard work, but also a unique piece of design. This guide will be a comfortable book that fits in your pocket and can be consulted with a single hand; a tool that offers a simple, accessible and fun way to understand and experience the complexity of Colombia's birdlife.
A field guide of the most bird rich country on Earth, an unimaginable paradise of excess for bird lovers. Colombia is home to more than 1,909 species of birds, almost 20% of the world's total – and the number keeps rising every year. Field Guide to the Birds of Colombia includes over 5,000 hand-drawn illustrations to reflect this knowledge. It also includes many new records and splits, following taxonomic changes implemented by the South American Checklist Committee, maps depicting rainfall, the national system of protected areas, areas of endemism, as well as areas of natural vegetation. An additional 27 species that potentially occur in Colombia are also treated to stay alert to new additions that surely are on the way.
The plates are arranged to show the names of the species, illustrations, maps, texts, field notes and notes on the endemic and endangered species, in a single informative cell. Now songs and vocalizations too. The range of each subspecies is indicated on each map. Emphasis is placed on useful information in the field. Two indexes are to be found at the back of the book, one listing English vernacular names, the other scientific names. The maps have been updated, including species not described. Now with a total of 380 pages, more than 100 additional pages than the previous edition.
Review of the third edition:
"The most complete and beautiful illustrated guide to the Colombian avifauna in recent times."
– Jorge Enrique Avendaño, M.Sc.
Reviews of the second edition:
"This is the second edition of the acclaimed Field Guide to the Birds of Colombia, the only book that not only illustrates all the species that occur in this most bird-species-rich country in the world, but in a format that is genuinely a ‘field’ guide (indeed that could unashamedly use the epithet ‘pocket guide’) since it is light enough and small enough to fit into a large jacket pocket. This edition is larger, partly to accommodate even more species (there are 50 additions to the Colombia list) which means the book now covers a staggering 1 900 species (i.e. almost 20% of the world's total) and also because fewer species now occupy each page. The average of about six species per page (including illustrations, text and map) puts the Guide on a par with many of the best around the world. This has meant that the book has become a bit bigger in page count and weight, but at 600 g it still is easily carried into the field. [...] The second edition also includes several new features. These include page-long descriptions of three of the top birding areas: the Santa Marta region, the Central and Western Andes of Antioquia and the Magdalena valley and Eastern Andes. All these areas are well endowed with a network of bird reserves and birding lodges and helpfully guidance is given on recommended length of stay to bird there, as well as other logistics. Concluding the non-passerine section are four plates depicting some of the mammals of Colombia. No one planning a visit to Colombia should dream of travelling there without this book. Indeed, I urge owners of the first edition to buy this one as well. [...]"
– Martin Kelsey, Ibis 157(2), April 2015
"[...] Although slightly larger than the first edition, this field guide miraculously fits into a large coat pocket, or easily into any bag, and it will be an invaluable companion on any birding trip to Colombia. Once again, the authors, as well as ProAves, have produced an outstanding piece of work, and all profits from its sale will go towards conservation of the many threatened birds illustrated in the book. If you are a birder visiting Colombia you have to take Field Guide to the Birds of Colombia, Second Edition!"
– Grant McCreary (07-12-2014) read the full review at The Birder's Library
Reviews of the first edition:
"I would definitely recommend taking this book with you to the field in Colombia. As a quick and easy reference it will certainly allow you to identify the majority of species you encounter. There will be exceptions, and I doubt if this book alone will enable you to be confident of distinguishing some of the more difficult look-a-like birds such as some of the woodcreepers or antwrens, but even with a more comprehensive guide you may still have problems. For such species you often need to rely on vocalizations which anyway cannot always be transcribed adequately. Overall then, I think the authors should be congratulated on producing a much-needed compact field guide at a critical juncture for Colombian birding. If you are in doubt about birding in this marvelous country, I hope this book will encourage you!"
– Frank Lambert (23-09-2010), read the full review at The Birder's Library
"This book will be indispensable for anyone interested in Colombia and will be an essential companion in the field. There is also another important reason why I warmly recommend it. It is published by the pioneering Colombian NGO ProAves and all profits from sales will go towards their work in bird conservation and education. In just over 10 years since its formation, this group of energetic young fieldworkers and conservationists have made many exciting discoveries, helped to establish two national parks and currently own and manage a network of 18 bird reserves, as well as implementing integrated conservation and rural development projects and promoting bird tourism."
– Martin Kelsey
