A Princeton University Press Illustrated Checklist by Ber van Perlo
If you are looking for a ‘quick-fix’ for identifying a bird, and can handle having the range maps separated from the plates and text (which are together), then this book will work for you. It doesn’t have the information density or the large illustrations of Howell and Webb’s Guide to Birds of Mexico and Northern Central America, but it weighs about 1/3rd as much, and covers Central America through Panama. For the best of both worlds, we recommend Howell and Webb as your main resource, and this illustrated checklist as the lighter alternative to pack along.
From the publisher, “ Birds of Mexico and Central America is the only field guide to illustrate and describe every species of bird in Central America from Mexico to Panama, including Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. Written and illustrated by Ber van Perlo, this handsome work covers more than 1,500 species.
Information on key identification features, habitats, songs, and calls is included as are distribution maps showing each species' location and prevalence. Enhanced with ninety-eight color plates, the book provides illustrations of all plumages for the adult males and females as well as the juveniles of each species. Illustrations appear opposite their relevant text for quick and easy reference.
Comprehensive and highly portable, this guide is a must for any birdwatcher visiting the region.
• More than 1,500 species described and illustrated
• Information on key identification features, habitat, and songs and calls
• Distribution maps showing each species' location and prevalence
• Illustrations of all plumages for each species
• 98 color plates, which appear opposite their relevant text for quick and easy reference
• Comprehensive and highly portable
• A must for all birdwatchers visiting the region
About the author
Ber van Perlo is the author and illustrator of three highly successful Princeton Illustrated Checklists: Birds of Eastern Africa, Birds of Southern Africa, and Birds of Western and Central Africa”
Paper, 336 pages, 5 x 7 ½, full-color illustrations, maps, July 2006.
