Volume I of a comprehensive two-volume identification set – the ultimate guide to birds of the region.
Covering every species, including vagrants, found in Ecuador, Columbia, Venezuela, Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana, the magnificent Birds of Northern South America represents one of the greatest ornithological publications of the 21st century.
In this 'text' volume, more than 2,300 species are described in depth, with discussion of geographical variation, identification, status, habitat, voice and taxonomy. Robin Restall's detailed and comprehensive colour plates along with accurate distribution maps are in the second volume of the set.
This authoritative book is not only an indispensable guide to the visiting birder, but also a vital tool for those engaged in work to conserve and study the avifauna of this region, which is of such importance to both resident species and those which pass through on migration. A landmark publication, Birds of Northern South America remains the standard work on the stunningly diverse birds of the region.
Robin Restall (1937–2023) was an author and illustrator. Originally a draughtsman, Robin's development as an ornithology artist began with his love of cagebirds, which led to his first book,
Munias and Mannikins (1996). He became a Research Associate at the Phelp Ornithological Collection in Caracas, Venezuela, where he conceived and painted the art for his masterpiece, the two-volume
Birds of Northern South America, which featured his illustrations of 2,300 species. Published in 2006, this book remains a magnificent testament to Robin's powers of observation and illustration. It went on to provide the basis for several other field guides, notably to Ecuador and Venezuela, both of which remain the standard works.
Clemencia Rodner is an ornithologist based at the Colección Ornitológica William H. Phelps in Caracas, Venezuela.
Miguel Lentino is Scientific Director of the Colección Ornitológica William H. Phelps in Caracas, Venezuela. The first president of the Venezuelan Union of Ornithologists between 2006 and 2010, Miguel's research focuses mainly on the birds of the forests of Venezuelan Guayana. He has coordinated a bird monitoring program in the Henri Pittier National Park, which has operated uninterruptedly since 1990, and culminated in the first ringing manual for Neotropical ornithologists.
Miguel's expeditions have included trips to the tepuis of Venezuela, as well as to the Andean region, while in the Caroní basin his work led to the description of a species new to science, the Carrizal Seedeater. Miguel is the co-author of several books, including Birds of Northern South America.
