With nearly six hundred identified species of birds—and an average of five “new” species discovered annually—Belize is becoming a birding hotspot for amateur and professional birders from around the globe. Thousands of birders visit the country each year to enjoy Belize’s amazing abundance and variety of both temperate and tropical birds in natural habitats that remain largely unspoiled. But until now, despite the growing need for an authoritative identification guide, birders have had to rely on regional field guides that offer only limited information on Belizean birds.
Birds of Belize provides the first complete guide to the identification of all currently known species—574 in all. The birds are grouped by families, with an introduction to each family that highlights its uniquely identifying characteristics and behaviors. The species accounts include all the details necessary for field identification: scientific and common names, size, plumage features, thorough voice descriptions, habitat, distribution, and status in Belize. Full color, expertly drawn illustrations by noted bird artist Dana Gardner present male and female, juvenile and adult, and basic and alternate plumages to aid visual identification throughout the year, while 234 range maps show the birds’ distribution and seasonality in Belize. A comprehensive bibliography completes the volume.
Product Features
- Birds of Belize
Bird coloration of plumage not at all like live bird, Bulky NOT a field guide HIGHLY disappointed. Was recommended to buy this. Yes, it has all the species of Belize but the color plates are so off, it makes ID difficult. Itâs too bulky to use in the field anyway. Itâs maps and descriptions pale in comparison to Howell and Webb (which is also bulky for the field). If I ever return I would bring my Petersonâs guide to use in field, and pack Howell and Webb for reference in my luggage. IMHO there isnât a need to buy this book. I gave my copy away to while in Belize so I…
Annoyingly written and organized. The same birds appear on multiple pages, the index does not refer properly to the listings, and you have to read the dense text section to even find the size of a bird. Could be a great book, but it’s not.
Must have for serious and beginner birders visiting Belize I took this on a cruise island hopping around the little islands off the coast of Belize. It was extremely useful and worked great. I was able to identify every bird I was able to get a good look at. The only complaint I have is the layout. The plates, descriptions, and maps are all in their own separate areas, so you may have to do a lot of flipping through pages. That’s what I took a star off for. Otherwise this is a great resource and a must have for any birder visiting Belize.