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The books are listed by publication date with the most recent at the top.

For books about birds on specific Caribbean countries, islands, and territories see the following pages:

Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Aruba
Bahamas
Barbados
Bonaire
British Virgin Islands
Cayman Islands
Cuba
Curaçao
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Grenada
Guadeloupe
Haiti
Jamaica
Martinique
Montserrat
Puerto Rico
Saba
Saint Barthelemy
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Martin
Saint Vincent / Grenadines
Sint Eustatius
Sint Maarten
Trinidad and Tobago
Turks and Caicos Islands
US Virgin Islands

Peterson Reference Guide to Owls of North America and the Caribbean

Scott Weidensaul

2015

"Owls are perhaps the most intriguing of all birds instantly recognizable and endlessly fascinating. Whether viewed as symbols of wisdom or bad omens, these unusual birds have had a hold on human imagination for millennia.Heard more often than seen, many owls are best identified by vocalizations; this is the only owl guide to include access to a collection of recordings. It is also the only North American owl book to include the Caribbean, covering 39 species of owls, including many little-known tropical species.With detailed information about identification, calls, habitat, nesting, and behavior, this Reference Guide has the most up-to-date information about natural history, biology, ecology, migration, and conservation status. It is heavily illustrated with hundreds of color photos, and includes the most accurate color range maps ever presented, showing breeding, wintering, and migration routes.This is a definitive work, useful for serious birders and ornithologists but accessible for the non-expert."

Wildlife of The Caribbean

Herbert A. Raffaele and James Wiley

Princeton University Press

2014

"This is the first comprehensive illustrated guide to the natural world of the Caribbean islands. It contains 600 vivid color images featuring 451 species of plants, birds, mammals, fish, seashells, and much more. While the guide primarily looks at the most conspicuous and widespread species among the islands, it also includes rarely seen creatures - such as the Rhinoceros Iguana and Cuban Solenodon - giving readers a special sense of the region's diverse wildlife. Each species is represented by one or more color photos or illustrations; details regarding its identification, status, and distribution; and interesting aspects of its life history or relationship to humans. In addition, an introductory section focuses on the unique characteristics of the Caribbean's fauna and flora, the threats faced by both, and some of the steps being taken to sustain the area's extraordinary natural heritage."

Seabird Breeding Atlas of the Lesser Antilles

Katharine Lowrie, David Lowrie and Natalia Collier

2012

"The Seabird Breeding Atlas of the Lesser Antilles makes available data and narrative related to Environmental Protection in the Caribbean's (EPIC) census of breeding seabirds in the Lesser Antilles. The book provides information on methodology, species profiles and distribution maps and tables by species and country/territory, and site specific threats. The Atlas reports key individual islands for breeding seabirds in the Lesser Antilles, nations or territories supporting the greatest number of globally and regionally important populations and clarifies the significance of the region in relation to Caribbean-wide populations. Species with restricted breeding ranges are also identified. The study covered 3,162 nautical miles and over 200 islands between 2009 and 2010. Every island, islet, or cay above the high-tide level capable of supporting seabirds was surveyed by land and/or sea. Surveys were conducted over a two-year period to account for variations in breeding cycles. The only islands not surveyed by EPIC were locations for which colleagues contributed recent data. A full seabird population survey for this region had never previously been undertaken. Existing records varied greatly from areas of intense research, to sites where data were based on anecdotal notes, sometimes dating back to the early 19th century. This ground-breaking study sheds light on numerous undocumented seabird breeding colonies, as well as colonies previously thought extirpated. The standardised methods and results will provide a baseline for the future monitoring of seabirds within the region and guide conservation priorities."

Aves: A Survey Of The Literature Of Neotropical Ornithology

Tom Taylor

2011

"This book was originally prepared in conjunction with an exhibition of books from the E.A. McIlhenny Natural History Collection displayed at the Hill Memorial Library in 2011, showcasing Four centuries of illustrated books on the birds of Mexico, the Caribbean, and South and Central America. The book is far more than an exhibition catalogue as it contains biographies of many eminent collectors and ornithologists who worked and traveled in the New World tropics. A commentary on the principal works produced by these individuals accompanies the biographical sketches."

Birds Of The West Indies

Norman Arlott

Harper Collins

2010

"From Grand Bahama Island in the north to Grenada in the south, this is an identification guide to the birds of a popular tourist destination renowned for the variety and diversity of its birdlife. The West Indies include the Bahama Islands, the Greater Antilles (Cuba, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico), and the Lesser Antilles (Anguilla, Nevis and St Kitts, Martinique, St Lucia, Barbados, Grenadines, St Vincent). It is a tropical avifaunal region which includes such species as the tiny bee hummingbird, parrots, honey-creepers and todies. Every species found in the area is illustrated in every plumage in which they can be seen in the wild. The accompanying text concentrates on the specific characteristics and appearance of each species that allow identification in the field, including voice and distribution maps."

Birdwatchers' Guide to Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico and the Caymans

Guy Kirwan, Arturo Kirkconnell and Mike Flieg

2010

"This guide covers the Greater Antilles, which comprises five groups of islands and six countries. From Cuba, with about 360 species, to the Cayman Islands with just over 220 species, the Greater Antilles have recorded just over 550 species and this total contains more than 100 single island endemics and many more restricted range species making these islands a very attractive proposition to the visiting birder. The site accounts have details of location, birding strategy, accommodation and, of course, the birds. More than 80 sites are detailed, many with accompanying maps. A full species lists shows exactly what has been seen in each country, and the selective list helps to target the best places to visit. As well as covering the very best birding sites, the authors have also tried to include some locations close to main holiday centres used by birders with families."

An Inventory of Breeding Seabirds of the Caribbean

Editor: Patricia E. Bradley, Robert L. Norton

2009

"This island-by-island inventory of Caribbean seabirds includes colony locations and estimates of the numbers of breeding pairs, the severe threats that seabirds face, and proposals for research and conservation measures. In the past two decades, global populations of seabirds have declined faster than any other group of birds, yet almost no conservation resources are expended to counteract this trend, especially among tropical seabirds. This volume includes twenty-five national accounts, written by professional and amateur ornithologists, and illustrated by maps specially prepared by William Mackin and The Nature Conservancy. This inventory brings together the best and most complete set of data on breeding seabirds that nest on the islands throughout the Caribbean, making it invaluable for anyone interested in sustaining seabird populations."

Important Bird Areas in the Caribbean: Key Sites for Conservation

Editors: David C. Wege and Veronica Anadon-Irizarry

BirdLife International

2008

"The aim of this publication is simple - in a rational, scientifically robust way, it puts the spotlight on a Caribbean network of Internationally important biodiversity sites - 'Important Bird Areas' (IBAs). In a region that is exceptionally rich in endemic birds, seabirds, waterbirds, and species already at risk of extinction, IBAs are an objective expression of which places in the Caribbean are the most important for these birds and why. By highlighting the significance of IBAs, the goal is to secure their long-term conservation - to ensure that these remnants of paradise are not lost. The Important Bird Area program in the Caribbean started in early 2001. Inventories were compiled for the following countries and territories, and are presented in this IBA: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Curacao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, Montserrat, Navassa, Puerto Rico, Saba, St Barthelemy, St Eustatius, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Maarten, St Martin, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, and US Virgin Islands."

A Photographic Guide to Birds of Jamaica and the West Indies

Allan Sander and Michael Flieg

2nd edition

2006

"Provides comprehensive coverage of 252 species of birds that inhabit the islands of the West Indies, with detailed descriptions and a colour photograph for each species. Includes thumbnail family silhouettes, a regional distribution map, up-to-date tips on the best birding localities, and an index of local bird names."

Wild Caribbean: The Hidden Wonders Of The World's Most Famous Islands

Michael Bright

2006

"In our minds the Caribbean is the embodiment of paradise - crystal blue waters, magical coral reefs and lush tropical forests. Yet behind its tranquil beauty, the Caribbean conceals many dark and mysterious secrets. Its volcanic nature - both destructive and creative, powerful hurricanes and tidal waves, and its rich cultural past have all left their marks, carved into the character of the individual islands. Beautiful photography brings the islands to life in this book: fluorescent hummingbirds buzz past, scarlet ibis fill the sky, fearsome Cuban crocodiles patrol the waters and 70,000 flamingos dance in an unrivalled wildlife spectacle."

Birds of the West Indies

Herbert Raffaele, James Wiley, Orlando Garrido, Allan Keith and Janis Raffaele

Christopher Helm

2003

"A field guide to all 564 species known to occur in the West Indies. This guide uses the plates from the earlier Helm Identification Guide "Birds of the West Indies", with concise text on facing pages covering all aspects of field identification. Aimed at experienced birders and interested laypersons alike, this guide is a lightweight and easy-to-use field guide to the spectacular West Indian avifauna."

Birds of the West Indies

Herbert Raffaele, James Wiley, Orlando Garrido, Allan Keith, & Janis Raffaele

Princeton University Press

2003

"Fully illustrated, easy to use, and completely up-to-date, Birds of the West Indies is the only field guide that covers all of the bird species known to occur in the region - including migrants and infrequently occurring forms. Each species is represented by a full description that includes identification field marks, status and range, habitat, and voice. A map showing the bird's distribution accompanies many species accounts, and plumages of all species are depicted in ninety-three beautifully rendered color plates."

Birds Of The West Indies

James Bond

Collins

2002

"From Grand Bahama Island in the north to Grenada in the south, this guide covers a tropical avifaunal region which includes such species as the tiny bee hummingbird, parrots, honey-creepers and todies. For every resident species there are notes on diagnostic characters, local names, voice, habitat, identification and range."

Where to Watch Birds in Central America and the Caribbean

Nigel Wheatley and David Brewer

2002

"This guide covers the best birding sites in Central America and the Caribbean. In a format familiar to readers of this very popular series, each site is considered in terms of 'Habitat', 'Timing', 'Access' and 'Calendar', allowing birders to plan excursions to maximise the chances of getting the best out of each site and each region. The book includes detailed maps of the larger sites, plus general maps of the regions covered, and it is illustrated with line drawings."

Where to Watch Birds in Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean

Nigel Wheatley and David Brewer

2002

"Where to Watch Birds in Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean is the sixth and latest in a series that will ultimately cover the whole world. Including many of the most alluring and rewarding birding destinations anywhere, this is the first one-volume guide to this vast region. It is the ideal port of call for steadfast birders and nature-minded wayfarers alike. Around 430 species of birds have been recorded in the Caribbean, of which an amazing 159 are endemic. Central America has a species list of about 1,350, with some 340 endemics. This book treats over 215 individual sites in detail, covering every Central American country, Mexico, and all of the popular Caribbean islands. Detailed site accounts enable birders to maximize their chances of finding the special birds of each region, from the spectacular Resplendent Quetzal of Costa Rica's cloud forest to the threatened Imperial Parrot of Dominica. Endemic species for each site and region are listed separately, and the accounts include practical information on accommodation, transport, safety, and the timing of visits. Other interesting wildlife is also listed for each site, and numerous site maps and line drawings further enhance the text. The information presented is succinct, yet detailed enough for readers to work out their own itineraries with a minimum of time and effort."

Common Coastal Birds of Florida and the Caribbean

David W.Nellis

2002

"This book is for those who enjoy that precarious and ever-changing zone where the sea meets the land and want to understand the birds that frequent this special habitat in Florida and the islands to the south. Author David Nellis reveals the birds found along the beaches, among the mangroves, even up the rocky Caribbean cliffs. From the many birds that may be encountered along the coast, Dr. Nellis has selected 72 of the most common ones, including a few that, though less abundant, capture our interest. Each bird has its own ecological niche - manifested by its nesting, feeding, roosting, and migration habits - and territorial competition between species is a constant."

A Photographic Guide to Birds of the West Indies

Allan Sander and Michael Flieg

2000

" This text is a compact, easy-to-use bird identification guide, suitable for any birdwatcher visiting the West Indies. The book features descriptions of 252 species, thumbnail silhouettes for ease of use, up-to-date tips and information on bird biology and behaviour."

A Bibliography of Ornithology in the West Indies

James W. Wiley

2000

Birds of the West Indies

James Bond

Houghton Mifflin

1999?

"Descriptions of more than 400 species of birds found in the islands of the West Indies include local names of birds, notes on migrants and winter residents - as well as birds that breed there - and voice, habitat, and range information. More than 340 illustrations aid in identification."

Birds of the West Indies

Herbert Raffaele

Helm Identification Guides

Christopher Helm

1998

"An identification guide that covers the 563 species known to occur in the West Indies. The individual species accounts include all aspects of identification and local names for the bird. A distribution map is provided for each species. There are 86 colour plates covering all species and geographical variations. A checklist provides an island-by-island guide to distribution and status."

A Guide to the Birds of the West Indies

Herbert Raffaele, James Wiley, Orlando Garrido, Allan Keith, and Janis Raffaele

Additonal illustrations: Don Radovich, Cynthie Fisher, Bart Rulon, Christopher Cox, and Roman Company

Princeton University Press

1998

"This is the first comprehensive field guide to the birds of the West Indies to appear in more than fifty years. It covers all 564 bird species known to occur in the region (including migrants and infrequently occurring forms). Each species is represented by a full description that includes identification field marks, local names, status, habitat, voice, nesting, range, and comments about the bird. A map showing the bird's distribution accompanies each species account. Plumages of all species are depicted in eighty-six beautifully rendered color plates. Twelve of these plates feature individual endemics from each of twelve islands. Another seven plates feature the island endemics of the largest islands: Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. Because the region is known for its extraordinary variety of avifauna and because no other accurate modern account of its birdlife exists, this book is a landmark publication that will be widely hailed by serious birders and amateur birdwatchers alike. The authors pay particular attention to endangered and threatened birds. For each island or island group, local experts have been invited to provide a survey of efforts made to date to conserve birds and their habitats."

A Birder's West Indies: An Island-by-Island Tour

Roland H. Wauer

Afterword: Paul Butler

Illustrated: Mimi Hoppe Wolf

Corrie Herring Hooks Series

University of Texas Press

1996

"In A Birder's West Indies, Roland Wauer takes you on an island-by-island journey of discovery. He describes the unique natural features of each island and recounts his often fascinating experiences in seeking out the nearly 400 species of birds known in the West Indies. His accounts give insight into the birds' habitats, status, and ecology and record some of the threats posed by human activities."

Birds of the West Indies

James Bond

Houghton Mifflin

1996?

Fauna of the Caribbean: The Last Survivors

Lesley Sutty

1993

"The author, Lesley Sutty has lived and worked in the Caribbean for over 20 years. Her research has made her one of the foremost authorities on the anthropological and natural history of the Caribbean. This book is her personal tribute to the fauna she has lived with and nurtured. Extending beyond its origins as a straightforward text, the book evolved into an urgent plea from nature to contain the onslaught from mankind that threatens to bring the wildlife of the area to an untimely end."

West Indian Bird Records in American Birds and Audubon Field Notes (1947-1990): Species Index By Islands

R.W. Loftin

Florida Ornithological Society

1991

The Birds of the Eastern Caribbean

Peter Evans

Macmillan Caribbean

1990

"Dealing with the natural history of birds, "Birds of the Eastern Caribbean" provides an up-to-date review of over 300 species to be found in the islands. For each species, the key features are identified, followed by notes on status, distribution, habitat, breeding biology, diet and behaviour. Photographs of many species are illustrated in colour for the first time. The guide includes helpful hints on bird-watching and bird photography. There is a useful bibliography, list of best bird-watching sites and an island by island check list of species recently observed, all included to help the visitor get the best out of bird-watching in the islands."

Hummingbirds of the Caribbean

Esther Quesada Tyrell

1990

"This companion volume to Hummingbirds: Their Life and Behavior sharpens the focus on the Caribbean Islands, home of the most resplendent and beautiful birds of the western hemisphere. 266 full-color photographs."

Biodiversity and Conservation in the Caribbean: Profiles of Selected Islands

Timothy H. Johnson

BirdLife International

1988

"An output of the ICBP Island Database, this first monograph in a new series documents islands which harbour endemic bird species."

Birds Of The West Indies

James Bond

Collins

5th edition

1985

Birds Of The Caribbean

Robert P. Allen

1961

Birds of the West Indies

James Bond

1960

Field Guide of Birds of the West Indies

James Bond

1947

Catalogue Of West Indian Birds

Charles B. Cory

1892

"The present work is intended to be used in connection with the author's "Birds of the West Indies," and references are given in the appendix to all species not included in that work. The number before the name of a species or a subspecies indicates that it is mentioned in the appendix. The numbers which follow the name of a group of islands indicate the different islands belonging to that group on which the species referred to has been taken; for example, Dendroica dominica, Bahama Islands, 1-5, would mean that Dendroica dominica occurs in the Bahama Islands and has been recorded from Great Bahama and Eleuthera."

The Birds Of The West Indies

Charles B. Cory

1889

From the introduction: "In preparing the present work, the writer has examined a large series of birds from nearly all of the islands of the West Indies, the combined collections representing many thousands of specimens. The writer has personally made five trips to different parts of the West Indies, and, aside from such collections as were made under his personal supervision, a number of collectors were sent to the more important islands for the purpose of obtaining as complete a series as possible. Several of the collectors were absent from six to eighteen months, and it is fair to assume that their collections contained nearly all of the resident species of the islands which they visited. The collections made by Mr. W. B. Richardson in Grand Cayman and some of the Lesser Antilles proved especially interesting, being very rich in novelties, his combined collections containing no less than seventeen species new to science."

Notes upon some West-Indian Birds

P.L. Sclater

Ibis: Volume 22, Issue 1, pages 71-75

1880

Opening lines:

"Mr. Lawrence's series of papers upon the birds obtained for the Smithsonian collection by Mr. F. A. Ober during his visits to the islands of Barbuda, Antigua, Guadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique, St. Vincent, and Grenada, have greatly added to our acquaintance with the avifauna of the Lesser Antilles. I have on previous occasions lamented the deficiency of our knowledge in this respect, and may offer our American brethren our congratulations on their discoveries in a field which, seeing that most of the islands belong to the colonial possessions of Great Britain, ought to have been occupied by us long ago."