Birds of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao

Birds of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao is the essential guide for anyone traveling to those islands. It showcases the more than 280 species seen on Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao and provides descriptions of and directions to the best places to bird, from the famous white sand beaches to hidden watering holes to the majestic national parks.

Jeffrey V. Wells is Senior Scientist for the International Boreal Conservation Campaign and Boreal Songbird Initiative and is a Research Associate at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. He is the author of Birder's Conservation Handbook: 100 North American Birds at Risk, coauthor with Allison Childs Wells of Maine's Favorite Birds and Birds of Sapsucker Woods, and editor of Boreal Birds of North America. Allison Childs Wells is Senior Director of Public Affairs at the Natural Resources Council of Maine. She is a widely published natural history writer and contributor of many bird family accounts to Scholastic's New Book of Knowledge. She is coauthor with Jeffrey V. Wells of Maine's Favorite Birds and Birds of Sapsucker Woods. Robert Dean is an acclaimed nature artist who has painted birds for field guides covering all seven countries in Central America.

The authors are professional musicians(!), obviously accomplished birders, and well-published authors, and they have produced a really nice book here—although it is not typical of many modern guides. The first 95 pages present detailed information for finding the best birding areas on each island, as well as available amenities (which is very helpful). Approximately 280 species of birds occur in the area, and these are listed and discussed in the middle 190 pages, a considerable departure from text and illustrations occurring on the same page. Species discussions include a brief description, mention of similar species, conservation status, and known range. Following the discussions, 59 attractive color plates contain paintings of all species. The final few pages consider bird conservation on the islands. This book is an absolute must for birders traveling to the islands, but the restricted coverage area will limit desirability for many North American libraries, except those with extensive ornithological holdings.

Thomas E. Baker:

This guide to the more than 280 bird species seen on Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao is accessible to both beginners and experts. In this work that serves as both a site guide and a field guide to the islands' birds, readers will find excellent maps and illustrations along with detailed bird descriptions. The section on conservation adds awareness of the threats to the birds and to the habitats on which they rely. This reliable and enjoyable resource is recommended to public libraries.

Scott Weidensaul, author of Living on the Wind:

This book is a superb field guide, a site guide with colorful maps, and a well-illustrated introduction to the ecology and conservation of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, all in one package. It raises the bar significantly for birding books.

Kalli De Meyer, Executive Director, Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance:

This book belongs on every keen birder's bookshelf. It is well designed, clear, and above all useful. I am particularly impressed with the way that it helps direct people to the best birding sites.

Kenn Kaufman, author of Kaufman Field Guide to Birds of North America:

Beautifully designed and filled with helpful information, this outstanding new guide will transform the whole approach to birding on these alluring islands.

Robert S. Ridgely, President, Rainforest Trust, co-author of Wildlife Conservation Society Birds of Brazil:

Although I've never managed to get to the famed ABC Islands in my many South American explorations, with the appearance of this thoroughly researched volume, that’s going to have to change. This book captures the spirit of birding on three of the most tempting tropical islands around.

Malcolm Calvert, author of Reed Warblers at Rosthernemere:

An excellent field guide with authoritative text and clear well-spaced illustrations. The text includes status for each island and comparisons with similar species. The section on locations gives the book an extra dimension.