Book Review: Birds of the West Indies
Birds of the West Indies by Norman Arlott. First published 2010.
Norman Arlott's Birds of the West Indies is part of Princeton University Press' Illustrated Checklist series, but the compact, fully illustrated book seems more like a full guide to me.
More than 550 bird species are covered, each with a short descriptive text covering field marks, vocalizations, habitat, behavior, and the like, and one or more color illustrations. The drawings are fine and detailed, and consistent throughout the book, having all been drawn by the author. They are generally presented on a white background, which is a bit boring, but no major drawback.
The range maps for the species are in the back of the book, separate from the species descriptions and illustrations. On first thought this seems like a huge drawback -- certainly not my favorite way to lay out a book to be used in the field. However, each species description does include distribution information, so one can read the range information without leaving the page. Still, a map on the same page would provide quicker access to range info so I'd still consider it a drawback.
The book is small enough to be carried and used in the field. The glossy cardboard softcover seems sturdy enough handling here in the office, but I can imagine it would start to show wear after minimal use in a field situation. Don't they all, though? You should see my Sibley. ;)
Now, please excuse me while I go drool over the hummingbirds, todys and parrots of the West Indies. Oh, and isn't this drawing of a fly-catching Red-legged Honeycreeper on the cover the cutest thing you've ever seen?
I give Birds of the West Indies 3.5 Goldfinches out of 5.
Disclosure: This is my own original, honest review of Birds of the West Indies, a copy of which was provided to me free of charge by the publisher.
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