The Birds of South America: Vol. II, The Suboscine Passerines (Ridgely, Robert S//Birds of South America) (Hardcover)

~ Robert S. Ridgely (Author), Guy Tudor (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

A land of incredible natural resources, the South American continent is rich in plant and animal species. Among birds alone, over 3,100 species are either resident or migrant. Birds are some of South America's treasures and also one of its most endangered resources. Hence the need for a descriptive record of South American birds that will serve both professional and amateur bird students and encourage conservation of these magnificent species. Although South American birds elicit much popular and scientific interest, they have never been completely or satisfactorily described and cataloged in a single, published source. The Birds of South America, projected to be a four-volume work, thus fills a critical void. Starting from 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 take a new look at bird systematics, reassessing relationships in light of new information. Perhaps most important, they combine this 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 crucial. If the birds and other plants and animals of South America are to be saved, they must first be known and appreciated. The Birds of South America is a major step in that direction. Volume II includes the Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers, Antbirds, Gnatcatchers, and Tapaculos; Tyrant Flycatchers; and Manakins and Cotingas.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 940 pages
• Publisher: University of Texas Press; 1 edition (1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0292770634
• ISBN-13: 978-0292770638
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.5 x 2.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #822,052 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The definitive work on South American birds, October 17, 2000

By	Kurt E. Johnson (Alexandria, VA USA) - See all my reviews

This book, and its companion volume are the first part of a promised 4 volume work on South American avifauna. These books are wonderfully detailed, beautifully illustrated, and worth every penny of the purchase price. I am a bird book fanatic and have enjoyed these books as much as any of the other books in my collection. One of the other reviewers mentioned these as field guides. In my opinion, they are definitely not field guides- way to massive. I imagine myself lugging these two babies through a lost corner of some rainforest in Brazil. They are heavy when dry but once they became soaked, they would probably kill you. These are wonderful books but not field guides. They are reference works written and illustrated by some of the most respected experts in the business.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best bird book of the decade - an essential reference, May 16, 1996

By A Customer

This is both a field guide and handbook to the suboscine passerine birds of South America -- the flycatchers, antbirds,and furnariids. The fine color plates by Guy Tudor illustrate at least one species in each genus, and Ridgely'slucid text concisely describes each species. Birders visiting South America will need to make room for this bookand for volume 1, which covers the oscine passerines, i.e,the other perching birds

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Bird Book Ever?, July 9, 2002

By A Customer

This book ranks as one of the greatest achievements in ornithology ever. It puts in perspective some of the most perplexing and difficult groups of birds with sublime artistry, comprehensive text along with distributional data and beautiful maps. It is a pleasure to have it as a reference even if like the average mortal I may never get a chance to see but a small fraction of the birds covered. Use it as a reference to both plan and make notes before your trip. The vastness of the continent and the diversity of the birdlife of South America is now opened up for all to see; this is the book to launch a thousand expeditions into the bird continent and to make new discoveries.