Ecuador has its own field guide -- a comprehensive, exhaustively researched handbook to nearly 1,600 species featuring 96 glorious color plates, all by Paul Greenfield. Two decades in the making, it's an indispensable companion for birdwatching in Ecuador (and adjacent countries). It also weighs in at four pounds. With detailed range maps and descriptions of each species by Bob Ridgely. The same authors have published an accompanying guide to the status, distribution and taxonomy of the birds of Ecuador available separately (EDR07), or as a set (EDR 14).  (EDR08, $55.00)

Birds