Hummingbirds of Colombia

Hummingbirds of Colombia, by Luis A. Mazariegos H. - Spanish edition [John Wall comments: This is the finest hummingbird book I've ever seen. Besides the rare endemics mentioned by Paul Salaman (below), it contains exceptional photos of more common but spectacular species such as Bearded Helmetcrest, Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Booted Raquet-tail, Sword-billed Hummingbird, both Sicklebills, Purple-backed Thornbill, Ruby Topaz, both Sylphs, both Trainbearers, Crimson Topaz, Mountain Avocetbill & Wedge-billed Hummingbird, all feeding on what appear to be their natural nectar sources. There are no hummingbird feeders in the book! The text is a collaboration among five hummingbird experts, very competently translated into English. (The Spanish edition is illustrated above.) The book was printed in Colombia on heavy, glossy paper and bound in glossy cloth with matching heavy-grade dust jacket. Highly recommended!]

Paul Salaman writes: A new photographic book, Hummingbirds of Colombia, is just out with editions in Spanish & English. It is not available from retailers yet, but specially to readers of WORLDTWITCH from the author - Luis Mazariegos. It is the conclusion of over 20 years of travels by the author throughout the entire country. Over 110 species plus many additional subspecies and both sexes are depicted with phenomenal photography (e.g., refer to Colourful Puffleg in Cotinga 11: 36).

Many endemic and threatened species, some captured for the first time on film, are shown, such as Black Inca, White-tailed Starfrontlet, Blossomcrown, Napo Sabrewing, Pink-throated Brilliant, Black-thighed Puffleg, Tooth-billed Hummingbird, Hoary Puffleg, Pirre Hummingbird, Coppery-breasted Puffleg, etc.

Although this book refers to the Hummers of Colombia, over 60% of the species found in Ecuador, close to 70% of those in Venezuela and 50% inhabiting Panama are depicted. Furthermore, not only can one admire the diversity and beauty of these birds but also the richness of tropical plants pollinated by hummingbirds.

Book characteristics: Hard bound, 24.5 cm x 33 cm, 256 pages printed at 210 lines, 150 gram European paper, over 170 color plates. Weight 4+ pounds.

To readers of WORLDTWITCH (directly) it is $35, but for 10 copies or more just $25 each. Postage and packing within US: $3.50 (5-7 day delivery). To Europe and Latin America $24 for 4-7 day delivery and $8 for a 4-6 week delivery. Or order from Amazon.co.uk. Best value for money since Hilty & Brown!

If interested please contact Luis Mazariegos: Lumaz@aol.com