Balthasar Dubs

Basics: 1992, hardcover, 164 pages, 58 color plates, 698 species, no range maps

This book covers 698 species of western Brazilian birds found in the Pantanal, which borders the countries of Bolivia and Paraguay. The majority of the book is dedicated to giving a one-paragraph overview of each bird. Brief coverage is given to the description, distribution/range, and ecology of the bird. This text serves to familiarize ornithologists and birders with the species that make up this unique part of Brazil.

The 58 color plates at the back of the book are…unique. The quality of the illustrations is no better than a slightly talented amateur. As the author stated, the illustrations are “simplistic”. These illustrations are unique because the eyes and legs are missing and all the birds are in the same position. This made me wonder if the drawings were done directly from museum skins. Reading through the book, the author confirmed this on page 9.

This is not a field guide, nor was it really meant to be one. It is the first step in filling the gap of ornithological knowledge of this expansive country. The plates simply show the curious birders the near-enough likeness of the birds of the Pantanal. You should view this book as a reference for your library.… (plus d'informations)