Bruce Hallett

Basics: 2006, 1st edition, softcover, 245 pages, 400+ color photos, 200 species, no range maps

This photo guide covers 100 breeding birds and another 100 common migrants that occur in the islands (out of 320+ total species recorded). The Bahamas, along with the Turks and Caicos (a British dependent territory), range from southeast Florida down towards the eastern end of Cuba.

This book is a photographic field guide that, like most photo guides, lacks the detail and plumage variations possible in an illustrated guide. The photos are good but are on the small side. Most of the birds are shown with multiple photos, typically to denote the differences between gender and seasons. All the islands' specialties have multiple color photos.

The text covers the topics of status/range, description, voice, habits, and comments. As one would expect, migrants receive a little less discussion while the breeders – especially the island specialties – are discussed a little more, often covering the various subspecies. The taxonomy is up to date and covers the subspecies of Western Spindalis (versus the prior Stripe-headed Tanager).

There are no range maps for the birds. I think this is an unfortunate oversight since many of the birds have peculiar scenarios of being on some islands but not others; or, missing from islands that would be expected to harbor the bird. There was certainly room in the pages to display a modest map.

For a birding trip to the islands, I would select a different field guide to take with me; not because this book is bad, but only because its layout and photos are more conducive to be examined at home before and after the trip rather than being used in the field.

Other Related Books:
1) The Birds of The Turks & Caicos Islands by Ground
2) The Birds of New Providence and the Bahama Islands by Brudenell-Bruce
3) Birds of the Bahamas by Paterson
4) Birds of the West Indies by Bond
5) Birds of the West Indies by Raffaele
6) A Guide to the Birds of the West Indies by Raffaele
7) Birds of the Bahama Islands by Cory… (mais)