A Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica

by F. Gary Stiles, Alexander F. Skutch, Dana Gardner (Illustrator)

Costa Rica, a country of no larger than West Virginia, hosts more than 830 species of birds, more than in all of North Amerian north of Mexico. It may well be the only country in the world with as many bird species and habitats to be found in such a small area. Within two hours' drive from San Jose, one can see quetzals in highland forests, antbirds in lowland forests, or shorebirds and ibises in mangrove swamps. This lavishly illustrated book is the most comprehensive treatment of a rich tropical avifauna ever presented in a single volume suitable for its use in the field. With is full coverage of waterbirds and migrants as well as resident tropical species, and its coverage of such topics as plumages, vocalizations, food habits, nesting, and distribution, it is truly a guide to the birds themselves, not merely a guide to their identification. Gary Stiles and Alexander Skutch first set the stage for the birds by briefly describing the landforms, vegetation, and climates of Costa Rica. For those who want to take "that second long look" to interpret what they see, the authors discuss some aspects of evolution, ecology, and behavior of Costa Rican birds, and report on the costly and courageous conservation efforts the country is making in face of discouraging odds. The family and species accounts that follow, covering some 400 pages, make up the bulk of the book, with 52 magnificent color plates illustrating virtually ever species of Costa Rican bird, migrants as well as residents. There are also practical tips for trips in the field and descriptions of good birding locations, with specific directions for travel by car, public transport, and on foot, as well as three maps. A highly readable, portable encylopedia to the fascinating, ever-surprising birds of Costa Rica, this book will be welcomed by birders and other naturalists, professional and amateur ornithologists, ecologists, travelers, and conservationlists throughout the northern Neotropics. F. Gary Stiles is Profess or Biology and Curator of Birds, Museum of Zoology, at the University of Costa Rica.Alexanda F. Skutch has lived in Costa Rica for more than 50 years and has dedicated his professional life to studying the breeding biology of Neotropical birds. He is the author of many books, including Life of the Woodpecker and Life of the Tanager (Cornell University Press)Dana Gardner, who is with the Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology, has extensive field experience in Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia. He has illustrated a number of books on birds and tropical nature.

Genres: Birds, Reference, Nonfiction, Nature, Science, Travel, Science Nature

Paperback

First published September 22, 1989

Reviews

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of birds packed into a small book. I like the layout of the 2nd edition. I would love to see at least the major headings in Spanish and English...it would have been nice to share my love of herons with someone in a way other than hand gestures to indicate Boat Billed Herons Fighting. (I got laughed at, by the way.)

You should buy a copy, and then you should invite me to go bird watching with you in Costa Rica.

[max · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually brought this with me when I travelled to Costa Rica for a week a couple decades ago. The country is a birder's paradise and this book is the key that unlocks all the secrets. Gorgeous.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a decade this was the Field Guide for Costa Rica. But in the past few years birders quickly realized the book was very outdated. Certain species had expanded their ranges or disapeared from certain areas. The lack of detailed range maps also made using the book a bit challanging. Even for all the detractions A Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica was in most serious birders collection. Virtually every species is illustrated (which is the most important aspect of a field guide) and the information, while outdated for some species, is still relevant for most of the birds covered. If traveling on a birding trip to CR definently buy the book for home preparation but Richard Garrigues and Robert Dean's new book is the one you should take on the plane.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still the better field guide for Costa Rica. Plumage colors on the plates more closely match the birds in real life than the Garrigues' new paperback guide does. We used both books side-by-side during birding trips at Arenal and Monteverde.

[H · Rating 4 out of 5]

not a book book, but very useful :)

[Woody Debris]

i need a new copy

[Joann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good bird guide book. I saw a lot of beautiful and interesting birds. I also learned I didn't really like Costa Rica.