Product Description

This is the only field guide to illustrate and describe every non-passerine species of bird in South America. This superbly illustrated field guide to the birds of South America, covers all the non-passerines (non-perching birds from Divers to Woodpeckers). All plumages for each species are illustrated, including males, females and juveniles. Featuring 1,273 species, the text gives information on key identification features, habitat, and songs and calls. The 156 colour plates appear opposite their relevant text for quick and easy reference. Distribution maps are included, showing where each species can be found and how common it is, to further aid identification. This comprehensive and easy to use guide is a must for all birdwatchers visiting the region.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #148079 in Books
• Published on: 2006-09-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 384 pages

About the Author
Based in Argentina, the authors and illustrator have spent 30 years gathering the data that comprises this book. They have travelled extensively in South America, including the islands and the Antarctic, they have assembled one of the most complete collections of photographs of the region's birds and have spent time at many research institutes all over the continent.

Customer Reviews

Nice surprise
This guide, which I still prefer to consider as a "first-class" checklist includes 1273 species, all the non-passerine birds from South America (note that not the whole Neotropic region!)
After having the book "Birds of southern South America and Antarctica", I didnt have too much expectation, but now I can tell, they are not on the same level.

This book has an "extra" 33 pages family descreption, which is unusual in books like this. It has infos about behaviour and habit, and some intersting facts too. After come the text and the plates. The illustration are very very good, among the finest for neotropical birds ever published.
Maps are on the same page, but they are extremly small, and only good for overall idea of the birds distribution.

I dont know how good this book in the field, but if you have an interest on South American birds or you just love bird-art, this is a very good choice.

Excellent Guide
This Collins is certainly a handy volume (its small light and hardback) to take to South America. It is amazing the number of species on each page! Its strength is in its illustrations which are generally of a very high standard indeed. I love many of them but my favourites are the puff-birds, owls, woodpeckers. Usefully they illustrate the parrots in flight which can be lacking in other guides and is often how you see them, so well done. The text is a little short in places but ID features are mentioned and the maps small. All in all well worth buying. Fantastic value for money.