A guide to the birds of Costa Rica

Abstract

Costa Rica hosts an avifauna of more than 830 species. Within two hours drive from San Jose, one can see quetzals in highland forests, antbirds in lowland forests, or shorebirds and ibises in mangrove swamps. The authors describe the landforms, vegetation and climates of Costa Rica and include photographs of some of the major types of habitat and characteristic plants. They discuss some aspects of evolution, ecology, and behaviour of Costa Rican birds, and report on the costly and courageous conservation efforts the country is making. The family and species accounts which follow, covering some 400 pages, make up the bulk of the book, with 52 colour plates illustrating virtually every species of Costa Rican bird-migrants as well as residents - including distinctive plumages for many of them. There are also practical tips for trips in the field and descriptions of good birding locations, with specific directions for travel by car, public transport and on foot.