Steve N. G. Howell

Rare Birds of North America is the first comprehensive illustrated guide to the vagrant birds that occur throughout the United States and Canada. Featuring 275 stunning color plates, this book covers 262 species originating from three very different regions--the Old World, the New World tropics, and the world's oceans. It explains the causes of avian vagrancy and breaks down patterns of occurrence by region and season, enabling readers to see where, when, and why each species occurs in North America. Detailed species accounts describe key identification features, taxonomy, age, sex, distribution, and status. Rare Birds of North America provides unparalleled insights into vagrancy and avian migration, and will enrich the birding experience of anyone interested in finding and observing rare birds. * Covers 262 species of vagrant birds found in the United States and Canada * Features 275 stunning color plates that depict every species * Explains patterns of occurrence by region and season * Provides an invaluable overview of vagrancy patterns and migration * Includes detailed species accounts and cutting-edge identification tips

A state-of-the-art illustrated field guide to the birds of Costa RicaCosta Rica is among the most popular birding destinations in the world, with a breathtaking diversity of neotropical birdlife and stunningly beautiful habitats ranging from shady mangrove swamps to mist-enshrouded mountaintops and verdant rainforest. Birds of Costa Rica is the essential illustrated pocket guide to this biologically rich country. It covers all regularly occurring bird species found in the region and features facing-page plates and text that make field identification easy. Concise species accounts describe everything from size and distribution to voice, habitat, and status. This compact guide also features progressive taxonomy and a wealth of color range maps.Covers more than 800 species of birds found in Costa RicaIncludes more than 200 superb color platesFeatures concise species accounts, facing-page plates and text, and up-to-date range mapsIts compact size and field-friendly layout make it the ideal travel companion for any birder

A state-of-the-art illustrated field guide to the birds of BelizeBelize is one of the world’s premier birding destinations, home to a marvelous array of tropical birds and beautiful habitats ranging from verdant rain forests and extensive wetlands to rolling pine savannas and the country’s famed barrier reef. Birds of Belize is the essential illustrated pocket guide to this birder’s paradise. It covers all regularly occurring bird species found in the region and features facing-page plates and text that make field identification easy. Concise species accounts describe everything from size and distribution to voice, habitat, and status. This compact guide also features progressive taxonomy and a wealth of color range maps.Covers more than 500 species of birds found in BelizeIncludes 116 superb color platesFeatures concise species accounts, facing-page plates and text, and up-to-date range mapsIts compact size and field-friendly layout make it the ideal travel companion for any birder

A state-of-the-art photographic field guide to the world's oceanic birdsOceanic birds are among the most remarkable but least known of all birds, living at sea, far from the sight of most people. They offer unusual identification challenges—many species look similar and it can be difficult to get good views of fast-flying birds from a moving boat. The first field guide to the world's oceanic birds in more than two decades, this exciting and authoritative book draws on decades of firsthand experience on the open seas. It features clear text filled with original insights and new information and more than 2,200 carefully chosen color images that bring the ocean and its remarkable winged inhabitants to life. Never before have oceanic birds been presented in such an accessible and comprehensive way.The introduction discusses the many recent developments in seabird taxonomy, which are incorporated into the species accounts, and these accounts are arranged into groups that aid field identification. Each group and species complex has an introductory overview of its identification challenges, illustrated with clear comparative photos. The text describes flight manner, plumage variation related to age and molt, seasonal occurrence patterns, migration routes, and many other features.The result is an indispensable guide for exploring birding's last great frontier.A comprehensive, authoritative, and accessible guide to oceanic birdsCovers more than 270 speciesIncludes more than 2,200 color photos with concise captions noting key featuresFeatures careful species comparisons, overviews of the latest taxonomy, tips on how to observe and ID birds at sea, and much more

Part of the satisfaction of watching birds is being able to name what you see. Yet, open a field guide, and there are hundreds of species to choose from, some with different appearances for males, females, immature birds, and even seasonal variation. It can be overwhelming. Where to start? The good news is that most people already know more than they realize about birds, and this can greatly simplify the identification process. These twelve steps start with the basics - such as location, habitat, and season - and then build logically into a manageable framework that can help anyone to identify and appreciate birds. For those new to bird watching, the book will help them understand the fundamentals of observation and the identification process. For more experienced birders, it helps them step back from years in the field and refresh their thoughts on how to watch and identify birds. Written in a helpful, conversational style, and illustrated with more than 85 colour photographs, this book outlines a pathway to enable anyone to get into, or get more out of, the world of watching, identifying, and enjoying birds.

A cutting-edge photographic field guide to the birds of ChileThis is the first modern-style photographic field guide to the birds of Chile, an increasingly popular destination with birders and naturalists. Compact and easy to carry, pack, and use, Birds of Chile is ideal for curious naturalists and experienced birders alike, providing everything anyone needs to identify the birds they see. Clear photographs and brief, facing-page species accounts highlight what to look for and how to quickly identify species. The photos include both close-ups and birds-in-habitat images to further aid real-life identification. An introduction and maps provide an overview of Chile's geographic regions and their distinctive birdlife. Birds of Chile is also a great resource for birding in nearby countries, especially Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru.The first field-friendly photographic guide to the birds of ChileMore than 1,000 real-life photos and brief, facing-page text make bird identification easyOverview and maps describe the distinct bird regions of ChilePerfect for curious naturalists and experienced birders alikeCompact and easy to carry and packAlso a great resource for birding in Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru

Two-thirds of our planet lies out of sight of land, just offshore beyond the horizon. What wildlife might you see out there? This handy guide, designed for quick use on day trips off the East Coast, helps you put a name to what you find, from whales and dolphins to shearwaters, turtles, and even flying fish. Carefully crafted color plates show species as they typically appear at sea, and expert text highlights identification features. Essential for anyone heading out on a whale-watching or birding trip, this guidebook provides a handy gateway to the wonders of the ocean. * Over 100 color photos and composite plates* Includes whales, dolphins, birds, sharks, turtles, flying fish, and more* Accessible and informative text reveals what to look for* Great for beginners and experts alike

Two-thirds of our planet lies out of sight of land, just offshore beyond the horizon. What wildlife might you find out there? And how might you identify what you see? This Offshore Sea Life ID Guide, designed for quick use on day trips off the West Coast, helps you put a name to what you see, from whales and dolphins to albatrosses, turtles, and even flyingfish. Carefully crafted color plates show species as they typically appear at sea, and expert text highlights identification features. This user-friendly field guide is essential for anyone going out on a whale-watching or birding trip, and provides a handy gateway to the wonders of the ocean. * First state-of-the-art pocket guide to offshore sea life* Over 300 photos used to create composite plates * Includes whales, dolphins, sea lions, birds, sharks, turtles, flyingfish, and more* Accessible and informative text reveals what to look for * Great for beginners and experts alike

If you travel the open ocean anywhere in the tropics, you are very likely to see flyingfish. These beautifully colored "ocean butterflies" shoot out of the water and sail on majestic, winglike pectoral fins to escape from predators such as dolphins, swordfish, and tuna. Some can travel for more than six hundred feet per flight. Yet despite their prevalence in warm ocean waters and their vital role in the tropical food chain, surprisingly little is known about flyingfish--more than 60 species are said to exist, but nobody is sure of the number. This beautifully illustrated book presents flyingfish as you've never seen them before. It features more than 90 stunning color photos by renowned naturalist Steve Howell, as well as a concise and accessible text that explores the natural history of flyingfish, where they can be found, how and why they fly, what colors they are, what they eat and what eats them, and more. The ideal gift for fish lovers, seasoned travelers, and armchair naturalists alike, this first-of-its-kind book provides a rare and incomparable look at these spectacular marine creatures. * Presents flyingfish like you've never seen them before* Features more than 90 stunning color images* Explores the natural history of flyingfish, where to see them, how they fly, and more* The ideal gift book for fish lovers, ecotravelers, birders, and armchair naturalists

With a rich variety of stunning avifauna, Mexico provides the first taste of the Neotropics for many birders. At last here is a guide to Mexico's best birdwatching sites, from Baja California to the Yucatan Peninsula. Steve N. G. Howell, coauthor of the widely acclaimed A Guide to the Birds of Mexico and Northern Central America, has selected over 100 sites where birders may see more than 950 species, including virtually all of the endemics and regional specialties. Useful for both the business traveler in Mexico City with only a morning to spare and the serious birder planning a three-month trip across the country, this indispensable book tells where to go and what to look for.* covers all of Mexico and includes all of the top birding spots.* presents key information on over 100 sites, where more than 950 bird species can be seen.* provides lists of the birds at the most popular sites.* gives general information about each region of the country, along with a map showing the location of its sites; additional maps show greater detail at selected sites.* supplies listings of all endemics and sought-after species with key sites where they can be seen.* includes advice on how best to find and view birds.* suggests itineraries for birding holidays.* offers valuable tips on travel and birdwatching in Mexico.