Spanning virtually the entire western coast of South America, the Andes are home to some of the world’s most magnificent birds, from exquisite hummingbirds to fabulous flamingos. This beautifully illustrated large-format book celebrates the splendor and extraordinary diversity of Andean birds and the habitats they depend on. It draws on the latest findings from the field and sheds light on the lush alpine terrains that make this avifauna so rich and plentiful. With illuminating essays that share invaluable perspectives from some of the region’s leading bird conservationists, Birds of the Tropical Andes takes readers from the Pacific coast to the jungles of the Amazon, crossing peaks and high plains in search of spectacular birdlife.
- Lavishly illustrated with a wealth of photographs
- Tours the vast array of habitats that comprise the Andean mountains
- Covers every major ecosystem and its abundant birdlife
- Profiles representative species, including the rarest and most sought after
- Discusses the region’s unique geology and Indigenous culture
- A must for birders, ecotravelers, and armchair naturalists
Michael J. Parr is president of the American Bird Conservancy and the author of several books, including (with Tony Juniper) Parrots: A Guide to Parrots of the World. Owen Deutsch is an acclaimed wildlife photographer and the author of Bringing Back the Birds: Exploring Migration and Preserving Birdscapes throughout the Americas.
“If you love birds and you haven’t yet been to the tropical Andes, the photographs of Owen Deutsch will make you wonder why you’ve waited. If you love birds and you have been to the tropical Andes, Michael Parr’s lively and authoritative commentary will deepen your appreciation of the region and its birds. Their unparalleled diversity and splendor are beautifully captured in this book.”—Jonathan Franzen, author of The End of the End of the Earth
“Michael Parr has done as much as anyone to understand and protect the astonishing diversity of birds in South America’s Andes. Owen Deutsch has done as much to let us see them—in breathtaking images. Decades of deep experience make this book a must-have for anyone considering a birding trip to the Andes. I cannot imagine that any single book could be a better, quicker way to orient to the region and its birds.”—Carl Safina, author of Eye of the Albatross, Becoming Wild, and Alfie and Me
“Having been to the high Andes, every page of this gorgeous book makes me long to return. The stunning photographs by Owen Deutsch capture the otherworldliness of bizarrely beautiful birds in their paradisal habitat. Michael Parr provides authoritative information on species and habitats that give new and seasoned travelers a rich understanding of what makes birds of the high Andes a not-to-be-missed lifetime experience.”—Amy Tan, author of The Backyard Bird Chronicles and The Joy Luck Club
