I was delighted to see a new field guide to the birds of Chile, one of my all-time favourite birding destinations, and a country that has been well served by Princeton University Press.
This one had added appeal since it is authored and illustrated by two Chileans and it is always particularly encouraging to see works by a country's own citizens. This fact alone is generally indicative of a healthy interest in the nature of the country and its taxa, and this guide was in fact available in Spanish before the English language version was produced.
In addition to all of that it is a very fine guide. The text is succinct, precise and accurate and the illustrations are first class.
Among many pleasing characteristics, one that caught my attention immediately was a plate dealing with albatross heads, a key distinguishing feature for these birds. Anyone who has taken a pelagic trip knows the difficulty of focussing on a swiftly moving bird while standing in a boat that is constantly rocking. One moment you see the bird and the next moment only the crest of a wave. To catch a glimpse of the head and immediately be able to reference it is a tremendous help.
I am always curious how field guides handle controversial issues of taxonomy and was pleased to see Variable Hawk featured also as Puna Hawk, a distinct species, a classification not shared by all, but the authors boldly state, "the evidence still does not seem irrefutable". Who does not admire that kind of chutzpah?
One sometimes wonders what innovations can be brought to modern field guides, which are generally excellent, but Birds of Chile contains a section with coloured illustrations of the eggs of many species. How incredibly useful!
Each species is accompanied by a range map where great use is made of space (Chile is after all a long skinny country) without losing clarity.
When I visited Chile my field guide of choice was the impressive work authored by Alvaro Jaramillo, published by Princeton University Press, and it served me well. Were I to return this new guide by Daniel Martínez and Gonzalo González would be my companion. And I suspect that Alvaro would approve.
The book is easily portable in the field and fits into a pouch or the deep pockets of a vest or cargo pants.
I have no hesitation in giving this work my highest recommendation.
Field Guide to the Birds of Chile - Princeton University Press
Authors: Daniel E. Martínez Piña & Gonzalo E. González Cifuentes
Paperback - ISBN: 9780691221052 - 224 pages - 89 colour plates - 5.25" x 8.5"
Publishing date: 13 April 2021
