Books for conservationists, nature lovers & birders

Revoyage of the Mayflower

A cutting-edge exploration of what individuals, communities, and conservation organizations must do to save the natural world.

A Guide to the Birds of the West Indies

Offers detailed accounts and illustrations of all bird species known from the West Indies. The first such comprehensive book of its kind for the region.

Birds of the West Indies - 2nd Edition

A practical guide for field use that illustrates every West Indian bird species – over 600 in all.

Birds of Puerto Rico And The Virgin Islands

The first and most comprehensive guide to the birds of these islands. The region’s 19 endemic species are highlighted.

Birds, Beasts & Bureaucrats

A rollicking adventure to the wilds of Puerto Rico, it includes fascinating natural history and reflections on nature conservation.

Wildlife of the Caribbean Pocket Guide

An illustrated guide to the mammals, birds, fish, plants, seashells, and other forms most commonly seen in the Caribbean.

Conservation Vignettes

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Puerto Rican Tody

Only 5 species of todies exist, and all are confined to the West Indies. This makes todies one of only 7 bird families restricted to this region. Fossil records indicate that todies previously occurred in both North America and Europe, thus the family is considered a West Indian relic. Todies possess the peculiar habit of burrowing deep into clay embankments where they hollow out a chamber in which to nest. They feed by sallying short distances to catch insects on the wing.

Blue and Yellow Macaw

The Blue and Yellow Macaw is one of the largest of the nearly 400 species of parrots in the world. Parrots are particularly susceptible to endangerment for a number of reasons including their need to find large tree cavities in which to nest, being collected for sale as household pets, and being killed due to their propensity to feed on farmer’s crops. As an example, the Carolina Parakeet, once widespread in eastern North America, was wiped out in the early 1900s.

Passenger Pigeon

Once numbering in the billions and believed the most common bird in the world, this species of eastern North America was severely over-hunted and ultimately driven to extinction in 1914.

Carolina Parakeet

Once widespread in eastern North America, the only bird of that large family in this region, its colorful feathers were used for adornment and flocks were shot for being pests to agriculture. By the time of the Civil War the species was nearly confined to Florida and by the early 1900s was extinct.

Kolam

In parts of India, designs are made in front of houses using powdered rice. The purpose is to attract insects, thus reminding the Kolam-maker of the connectedness of all life and that all living things deserve respect.

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Pink Headed Duck

Despite India’s 5,000-year history, this duck is the only bird known to have become extinct in that country. Why did it become extinct? The answer remains a mystery.

Herb Raffaele, Conservationist & Author