Robert S. Ridgely

The South American continent supports an abundance of plant and animal species. Of the life forms, over 3,100 bird species are either resident or migrant. Many of them are endangered, and this volume provides a descriptive record of South American birds that will -- must -- encourage conservation of these magnificent species.

The volume takes, frankly, a museum approach. The authors have examined specimens of each subspecies, comparing them visually and trying to discern the patterns in their plumage variation, both intra- and inter-specifically. They look at bird systematics, reassessing relationships in light of new information. Perhaps most important, they combine morphological review and analysis with extensive field observations to give an accurate, incisive portrait of the birds in nature.

At a time when rapid development is devastating millions of acres of tropical habitat in South America, this record of an endangered resource becomes painful. We know and appreciate the suffering and extinctions our own migrations, predations, and breeding habits are causing. The Birds of South America is a major step toward correction.

Volume I includes the Jays and Swallows; Wrens, Thrushes, and Allies; Vireos and Wood-warblers; Tanagers, Icterids, and Finches.… (mais)