This is a fabulous book for anyone who has an interest in raptors also known as birds of prey.
It is the first illustrated guide to cover this region and is superbly illustrated with 32 colour plates and 213 colour photographs, together with a distribution map for each regularly occurring species. The colour plates were specially painted show the various species. These show postures and positions including those for male or female and mature or juvenile. Adjacent to each plate is a plate caption which list species giving common and scientific names, a pointer to the species account and then a general summary of the identification points and list of figures. Each species on the plate is then referenced to the page number referencing the relevant species account. It should be noted that species and subspecies on islands off the mainland are not covered.
Species Accounts form the main part of the guide and there is one for each species of diurnal raptor that has been recorded in Mexico and Central America. Each account begins with the common and scientific names plus the Spanish name. Alongside this is a range map which shows the distribution of each species. Measurements of the species are given and the authors have taken time and effort to review existing data and much was found to be incorrect. Under this, the account format is as follows: Identification Summary – this covers field marks and general characteristics applying to all individuals, as well as age or sex differences and is well-detailed; Taxonomy and Geographic Variation; Similar Species; Status and Distribution; Habitat; Behavior; Molt; Description – including a summary paragraph and more detailed discussion; Fine Points – giving detailed information on field identification; Hybrids; Etymology; and References – as cited in each section.
A list of helpful facts for field identification is provided plus a paragraph on how to use the guide, which makes it easy to use. An extremely comprehensive Raptor Glossary is also provided with excellent graphics to explain the terms used in the guide. A comprehensive index and list of references complete the book.
This is an excellent guide. It is well-designed and produced for use in the field, despite its rather heavy weight, it will also be a very useful reference book in library and other settings. An e-book version is available which may be preferable to some users.
