Audrey Downer (1918–2007)

Basics: 1990, hardcover, 152 pages, 45 species shown in 74 color photographs, no range maps

The primary focus of this small photo guide is to illustrate Jamaica’s endemic species and subspecies (about 46) along with some of the other Caribbean specialties. Of the nearly 200 species covered in the book, only 45 (23%) are illustrated. The remainder of the birds are addressed briefly by only their status and range.

All the photos are in color and of good quality. Their sizes range from a 2-inch square to a full page. Separate photos display those species with notable male-female differences.

For those birds photographed, more text is provided that covers identification, status, voice, range, habitat, and habits. The identification notes are reasonably descriptive but typically do not compare similar species.

This will be a handy guide for your birding trip to Jamaica, at least if your focus is on just the specialties. If you’re not familiar with the other 150+ species typically found in the US, you might want to include a standard US field guide on your trip.

I’ve listed several related books below…
1) Birds of the West Indies by Bond
2) Birds of the West Indies by Raffaele et al.
3) A Guide to the Birds of the West Indies by Raffaele et al.
4) Photographic Guide to Birds of the West Indies by Flieg/Sander
5) Bird-Watching in Jamaica by Jeffrey-Smith… (altro)