Synopses & Reviews
Birds of the Dominican Republic and Haiti fills a large void in the literature on birdwatching and the environment in these tropical countries. The first comprehensive field guide devoted to Hispaniola's birds, it provides detailed accounts for more than 300 species, including thirty-one endemic species.
Included in the species descriptions are details on key field marks, similar species, voice, habitats, geographic distribution on Hispaniola, status, nesting, range, and local names used in both the Dominican Republic and Haiti. The authors also comment on ecology, behavior, and taxonomic status. The book provides color illustrations and range maps based on the most recent data available. But the authors' intent is to provide more than just a means of identifying birds. The guide also underscores the importance of promoting the conservation of migratory and resident birds, and building support for environmental measures.
Review
"The first comprehensive field guide to the birds of Hispaniola."--Wildlife Activist
Review
[This book] fills a major gap in the ornithological literature of the West Indies. . . . Ornithologists and birders interested in West Indies birds, and especially Hispaniola's birds, now have an excellent, modern guide to these species. The book is highly recommended to these enthusiasts, as well as naturalists, conversation biologists, and academic and public libraries. -- International Hawkwatcher The first comprehensive field guide to the birds of Hispaniola. -- Wildlife Activist If you are thinking of going anywhere near Haiti or Dominican Republic, pick this one up. It's an excellent book. -- Geoff Carpentier, OFO News Any visitor to the island will find the guide an indispensable asset. -- Chris Doughty, The Bird Observer This well-illustrated new work fills a large void in the literature on birdwatching and the environment in these tropical countries. Touted as the first comprehensive field guide to Hispaniola's birds, it provides detailed accounts for more than 300 species, including thirty-one endemic species. . . . An important contribution to the literature that will provide a handy guide to the region. -- Charles E. Keller, Indiana Audubon Quarterly This is a wonderful addition to the literature on West Indian birds and a must-have book for anyone headed for Hispaniola or interested in the distribution and abundance of that island's birds. It is both attractive and detailed. -- John R. Faaborg, North American Bird Bander
Review
"[This book] fills a major gap in the ornithological literature of the West Indies. . . . Ornithologists and birders interested in West Indies birds, and especially Hispaniola's birds, now have an excellent, modern guide to these species. The book is highly recommended to these enthusiasts, as well as naturalists, conversation biologists, and academic and public libraries."--International Hawkwatcher
Review
"If you are thinking of going anywhere near Haiti or Dominican Republic, pick this one up. It's an excellent book."--Geoff Carpentier, OFO News
Review
"Any visitor to the island will find the guide an indispensable asset."--Chris Doughty, The Bird Observer
Review
"This well-illustrated new work fills a large void in the literature on birdwatching and the environment in these tropical countries. Touted as the first comprehensive field guide to Hispaniola's birds, it provides detailed accounts for more than 300 species, including thirty-one endemic species. . . . An important contribution to the literature that will provide a handy guide to the region."--Charles E. Keller, Indiana Audubon Quarterly
Review
"This is a wonderful addition to the literature on West Indian birds and a must-have book for anyone headed for Hispaniola or interested in the distribution and abundance of that island's birds. It is both attractive and detailed."--John R. Faaborg, North American Bird Bander
Review
Any visitor to the island will find the guide an indispensable asset. OFO News
Review
This is a wonderful addition to the literature on West Indian birds and a must-have book for anyone headed for Hispaniola or interested in the distribution and abundance of that island's birds. It is both attractive and detailed. Charles E. Keller - Indiana Audubon Quarterly
Synopsis
Birds of the Dominican Republic and Haiti fills a large void in the literature on birdwatching and the environment in these tropical countries. The first comprehensive field guide devoted to Hispaniola's birds, it provides detailed accounts for more than 300 species, including thirty-one endemic species.
Included in the species descriptions are details on key field marks, similar species, voice, habitats, geographic distribution on Hispaniola, status, nesting, range, and local names used in both the Dominican Republic and Haiti. The authors also comment on ecology, behavior, and taxonomic status. The book provides color illustrations and range maps based on the most recent data available. But the authors' intent is to provide more than just a means of identifying birds. The guide also underscores the importance of promoting the conservation of migratory and resident birds, and building support for environmental measures.
Synopsis
"An outstanding contribution to Caribbean ornithology, this guide will be an invaluable reference for the identification of the diverse and unique avifauna of the Dominican Republic and Haiti. It provides accurate and up-to-date summaries of the distribution of the island's birds while providing appropriate descriptions to enable identification of the species known from Hispaniola and associated satellite islands. Included, too, are useful notes on status, behavior, ecology, and distribution, some of which have not been previously published. All told, this guide will be an indispensable tool for visiting birdwatchers and will likely encourage ecotourism on the island, while stimulating interest in the study and conservation of the island's endangered endemic avifauna."--Joseph M. Wunderle, Research Wildlife Biologist, International Institute of Tropical Forestry, Puerto Rico, former President of the Society of Caribbean Ornitholog
Synopsis
"An outstanding contribution to Caribbean ornithology, this guide will be an invaluable reference for the identification of the diverse and unique avifauna of the Dominican Republic and Haiti. It provides accurate and up-to-date summaries of the distribution of the island's birds while providing appropriate descriptions to enable identification of the species known from Hispaniola and associated satellite islands. Included, too, are useful notes on status, behavior, ecology, and distribution, some of which have not been previously published. All told, this guide will be an indispensable tool for visiting birdwatchers and will likely encourage ecotourism on the island, while stimulating interest in the study and conservation of the island's endangered endemic avifauna."--Joseph M. Wunderle, Research Wildlife Biologist, International Institute of Tropical Forestry, Puerto Rico, former President of the Society of Caribbean Ornitholog
Synopsis
Birds of the Dominican Republic and Haiti fills a large void in the literature on birdwatching and the environment in these tropical countries. The first comprehensive field guide devoted to Hispaniola's birds, it provides detailed accounts for more than 300 species, including thirty-one endemic species.
Included in the species descriptions are details on key field marks, similar species, voice, habitats, geographic distribution on Hispaniola, status, nesting, range, and local names used in both the Dominican Republic and Haiti. The authors also comment on ecology, behavior, and taxonomic status. The book provides color illustrations and range maps based on the most recent data available. But the authors' intent is to provide more than just a means of identifying birds. The guide also underscores the importance of promoting the conservation of migratory and resident birds, and building support for environmental measures.
Synopsis
"An outstanding contribution to Caribbean ornithology, this guide will be an invaluable reference for the identification of the diverse and unique avifauna of the Dominican Republic and Haiti. It provides accurate and up-to-date summaries of the distribution of the island's birds while providing appropriate descriptions to enable identification of the species known from Hispaniola and associated satellite islands. Included, too, are useful notes on status, behavior, ecology, and distribution, some of which have not been previously published. All told, this guide will be an indispensable tool for visiting birdwatchers and will likely encourage ecotourism on the island, while stimulating interest in the study and conservation of the island's endangered endemic avifauna."--Joseph M. Wunderle, Research Wildlife Biologist, International Institute of Tropical Forestry, Puerto Rico, former President of the Society of Caribbean Ornitholog
About the Author
Steven Latta is Assistant Director for Conservation and Field Research at the National Aviary. Christopher Rimmer is Director of Conservation Biology at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science. Allan Keith is coauthor, with Herbert Raffaele, of "A Guide to the Birds of the West Indies". James Wiley is Leader at the Maryland Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, U.S. Geological Survey. Herbert Raffaele is Chief of the Office of International Affairs of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Kent McFarland is Senior Research Biologist at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science. Eladio Fernandez is a professional photographer who specializes in Caribbean nature subjects.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments vii
Introduction 1
Map of Hispaniola 2
Elevational Map of Hispaniola 4
Plan of the Guide 5
Topography and Habitats of Hispaniola 8
Topographic Features 8
Major Habitats 9
Endemic Species and Subspecies 12
Avian Conservation on Hispaniola 14
Conservation Issues 14
National Protected Areas in the Dominican Republic 15
National Protected Areas in Haiti 16
Threatened and Endangered Species 17
Ornithological History of Hispaniola 18
Descriptive Parts of a Bird 19
PLATE SECTION 20
SPECIES ACCOUNTS 21
Geese and Ducks: Anatidae 21
Partridges and Guineafowl: Phasianidae 32
Bobwhites: Odontophoridae 33
Grebes: Podicipedidae 34
Shearwaters and Petrels: Procellariidae 35
Storm-Petrels: Hydrobatidae 38
Tropicbirds: Phaethontidae 39
Boobies: Sulidae 40
Pelicans: Pelecanidae 42
Cormorants: Phalacrocoracidae 43
Darters: Anhingidae 44
Frigatebirds: Fregatidae 45
Bitterns and Herons: Ardeidae 46
Ibises and Spoonbills: Threskiornithidae 54
Storks: Ciconiidae 56
American Vultures: Cathartidae 57
Flamingos: Phoenicopteridae 57
Osprey: Pandionidae 58
Kites, Hawks, and Allies: Accipitridae 59
Falcons: Falconidae 64
Rails, Gallinules, and Coots: Rallidae 66
Limpkin: Aramidae 71
Thick-knees: Burhinidae 72
Plovers: Charadriidae 73
Oystercatchers: Haematopodidae 78
Stilts: Recurvirostridae 78
Jacanas: Jacanidae 79
Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies: Scolopacidae 80
Jaegers, Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers: Laridae 95
Pigeons and Doves: Columbidae 110
Parakeets and Parrots: Psittacidae 118
Cuckoos and Anis: Cuculidae 120
Barn Owls: Tytonidae 124
Typical Owls: Strigidae 125
Goatsuckers (Nightjars): Caprimulgidae 128
Potoos: Nyctibiidae 131
Swifts: Apodidae 132
Hummingbirds: Trochilidae 135
Trogons: Trogonidae 137
Todies: Todidae 138
Kingfishers: Alcedinidae 140
Woodpeckers and Allies: Picidae 141
Tyrant Flycatchers: Tyrannidae 143
Vireos: Vireonidae 148
Crows: Corvidae 153
Swallows: Hirundinidae 155
Kinglets: Regulidae 160
Gnatcatchers: Sylviidae 160
Thrushes: Turdidae 161
Mockingbirds, Thrashers, and Allies (Mimic Thrushes): Mimidae 165
Pipits: Motacillidae 167
Waxwings: Bombycillidae 168
Palmchat: Dulidae 168
Wood-Warblers: Parulidae 169
Bananaquit: Coerebidae 192
Tanagers: Thraupidae 193
Emberizine Sparrows and Allies: Emberizidae 200
Cardinaline Finches and Allies: Cardinalidae 205
Blackbirds and Allies: Icteridae 207
Fringilline and Cardueline Finches and Allies: Fringillidae 211
Old World Sparrows: Passeridae 214
Weavers: Ploceidae 215
Estrildid Finches: Estrildidae 216
Recent Additions to the Checklist 218
Appendix A: Birdwatching on Hispaniola 219
Appendix B: Checklist of Birds of Hispaniola 229
Selected References 239
Index of Local Names 243
Index of English and Scientific Names 250