A Parrot Without a Name: The Search for the Last Unknown Birds on Earth [Paperback]

Don Stap (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1991

Traveling with ornithologists John O'Neill and Ted Parker on two separate expeditions into the Peruvian rain forest, Don Stap gives a firsthand account of the gritty realities and unexpected triumphs of fieldwork in the South American jungle. He describes the thrill of discovering previously unknown species of birds--and the sobering realization that "progress" is fast destroying both habitat and inhabitants in the rain forest.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The rain forest of Peruvian Amazonia is the ultimate place for bird studies; Peru, with 1700 known species, contains the richest avifauna on earth. Poet-naturalist Stap had the good fortune to accompany John O'Neil, who has identified more new species than any other ornithologist, and Ted Parker, who is regarded as the foremost authority on Peruvian birds, on two expeditions into a wilderness where scientists had never been before. Reaching the study site was an adventure in itself, but there is more. Stap profiles O'Neill and Parker, and gives us a fine picture of ornithologists in the field. He explains the necessity of killing birds for taxonomic studies. The expedition discovered a new small parrot, hence the title. This book will have strong appeal to birders and readers who thirst for adventure. Macmillan Book Club alternate.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

One might think that all the world's birds must have been spotted already, but new species keep appearing, particularly in the Amazon Basin. Louisiana State University ornithologist John O'Neill, for example, has described 12 new species since 1963. Amateur birder Stap analyzes the work of O'Neill and his frequent collaborator, Ted Parker, realistically presenting both the rewards and frustrations of zoological field work today. Much of the book is a fascinating firsthand account of an expedition to Peru which the author joined for several weeks in June 1987, the climax of which was the discovery of the new parrot species of the title. Frank, informative, and sometimes disturbing, this is a good choice for popular science collections. Macmillan Book Clubs alternate selection.
- Paul B. Cors, Univ. of Wyoming Lib., Laramie
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 255 pages
• Publisher: University of Texas Press; First edition (1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0292765290
• ISBN-13: 978-0292765290
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #448,291 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #82 in Books > History > Americas > South America > Peru

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book about the frontiers of ornithology, February 28, 2001

By 

Tim F. Martin (Madison, AL United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Parrot Without a Name: The Search for the Last Unknown Birds on Earth (Paperback)

Anyone who thinks all the vertebrates of this world have been discovered and described should think again. This book chronicles the work of ornithologists in the mountains and jungles of Peru and elsewhere in South America as they hunt for new and often exotic bird species. Focusing mainly on the work of LSU ornithologists and in particular the accomplished John O'Neill, it provides a first hand view of such expeditions, describes many of the new birds species found, shows how ornithologists work (it's not just bird-watching either), and provides interesting discussions on issues relating to taxonomy, scientific credibility, collecting specimens, conservation, neotropical ecology, evolution, and even South American politics. I highly recommend it.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Recounts the details of birding expeditions in Peru, May 6, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: A Parrot Without a Name: The Search for the Last Unknown Birds on Earth (Paperback)

The visceral details of collecting specimens oftropical birds and the gruelling politics of bringingsuch an expedition to Peru make for intense reading. An avid birder, Stap managed to hook up with LSU ornithologists John O'Neill and the late Ted Parker. Through the dense canopy he followed the crew and documented their trials and triumphs. Most notably a new species of parrot was found.

5.0 out of 5 stars MY FAVORITE BOOK, June 6, 2011

By 

MILTON H. BEVIS (TALLAHASSEE, FL USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Parrot Without a Name: The Search for the Last Unknown Birds on Earth (Paperback)

THIS IS A VERY DIFFICULT BOOK TO FIND.I WAS SO PLEASED TO RECEIVE IT IN SUCH GOOD SHAPE. I KNOW PEOPLE WHO FRIENDS WITH THE GIFTED TED PARKER...AN AMAZING STORY YOU WILL NEVER FORGET,,