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Loading... Birds of the Dominican Republic and Haiti (Princeton Field Guides) (edition 2006)by Steven Latta
Work InformationBirds of the Dominican Republic and Haiti by Steven Latta
   None No current Talk conversations about this book.  Soleglad | Jul 18, 2008 |  no reviews | add a review
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. No library descriptions found. |
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 Google Books — Loading...GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)598.097293Natural sciences and mathematics Zoology Birds Biography; History By Place North America Mexico, Central Europe, and the Caribbean CaribbeanLC ClassificationRatingAverage: (5)
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Wikipedia in English (4)
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This is a good field guide – and the only one – to focus on the birds of this 2-country island, Hispaniola. All the known species are illustrated and described. Most have multiple illustrations.
The authors take a few progressive liberties with the taxonomy, such as splitting out the Hispaniolan Oriole from the still-recognized Greater Antillean Oriole; or, the Hispaniolan Palm Crow from the combined Palm Crow.
The artistry is good, but with inconsistent styles between plates. The styles of the various illustrators are quite different. I find this slightly distracting. Plate 50 seems more like a mural for a wall or calendar versus the cleaner look of Plate 48 versus the cartoonish style of plate 34 versus a more meticulous plate 20 or 21. The two different Flat-billed Vireos (plates 38 and 43) look like two different species. Again, the plates are good and the accuracy of the field marks are well done; although, the sandpipers could use a bit more distinguishing detail and the beaks of the warblers appear too thin and pointed.
Many of the illustrations will look familiar because they are taken directly from the earlier work "Birds of the West Indies" by Raffaele et.al (1998). Two of the primary illustrators worked on both books.
The text is thorough, focusing on descriptions, similar species, and range. Given the high degree of speciation and subspecies in the surrounding islands, it would have been nice to see a little more – or even any -- reference given to the sister species only an island-hop away.
The range maps show good detail. The authors obviously tried to make the localized distributions show in these maps as denoted by splotchy shading representing altitudinal changes around the highlands.
If you're going to Haiti or to the Dominican Republic for birding, this is the only book you will require for a good trip.
Other Related Books:
1) Aves Comunes de la República Dominicana by Latta/Fernandez
2) The Birds of Haiti and the Dominican Republic by Wetmore
3) The Birds of Hispaniola by Keith
4) Endangered and Endemic Birds of the Dominican Republic by Dod
5) Aves de la Republica Dominicana by Dod
6) Birds of the West Indies by Bond
7) Birds of the West Indies by Raffaele
8) A Guide to the Birds of the West Indies by Raffaele
9) Photographic Guide to Birds of the West Indies by Flieg (