Book Review: Birds of the West Indies

 

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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