Between December 1951 and April 1967, Thomas R. Howell made 13 separate research trips to Nicaragua. The result was a collection of over 2,000 bird skins and at least 16 publications that form the backbone of Nicaraguan ornithology. In the late 1970s, Howell began working on a manuscript that was intended to be his major contribution to the ornithology of the country. The first version of this "Check-list of the Birds of Nicaragua" was not ready until 1983, and many different typewritten versions circulated among a small but growing number of Nicaraguan biologists for the next two decades. Partly because of Howell's passion for detail and completeness, and finally because of his failing health in the late 1990s, the check-list was never published before his death in December 2004. This monograph remedies what had become a significant obstacle to further studies in the country by providing, in Howell's own words, a comprehensive background for subsequent explorations. It documents the 654 species (611 supported with specimen evidence) known to have occurred in Nicaragua as of 1993, the date of the last substantial revision of the manuscript, and also provides a rationale for anticipating another 44 species. The publication of this significant chapter in the history of Central American bird studies is offered both as a tribute to Tom Howell's enthusiasm and contributions and as a frame of reference and springboard for current and future ornithologists inspired to study the rich and still largely unexplored avifauna of Nicaragua--

Birders in Central America have long known that Nicaragua is one of the best birding locations in the world, and with tourism to the country on the upswing, birders from the rest of the world are now coming to the same conclusion. The largest country in Central America, Nicaragua is home to 763 resident and passage birds, by latest count. Because of its unique topography—the country is relatively flat compared to its mountainous neighbors to the north and south—it forms a geographical barrier of sorts, which means that many birds that originate in North America reach their southernmost point in Nicaragua, while many birds from South America reach their northernmost point in the country. There are few places in the world where you can find both a Roadrunner and a Scarlet Macaw. Birds of Nicaragua features descriptions and illustrations of all 763 species currently identified in the country, along with information about 44 additional species that are likely to appear in the coming years. Range maps, based on years of field research, are color-coded. Other features include a richly illustrated anatomical features section, a checklist, a visual guide to vultures and raptors in flight, and a quick-find index.

The towering Datanlí-El Diablo massif is located in the North-Central Region, Nicaragua’s most elevated area. It constitutes the terminus of the highlands that extend south from Chiapas, Mexico through Guatemala and Honduras. Historically known as Jinotega Mountain, this massif is composed of a volcanic plateau originating in the Tertiary, and features highland plains, plateaus, prominent mountain peaks, escarpments, box canyons, and notoriously rugged terrain. The higher elevations are comprised of a series of hardened lava flows of basaltic and andesitic origin.

With a total landmass of 276 km2 , Ometepe is the world’s largest island within a fresh-water lake—Lake Nicaragua, also known as Lake Cocibolca—the same lake that the Spanish conquerors called a “fresh water sea” because of its sheer size. Ometepe, which means “two hills” in the native “náhuatl” language, is aptly named since the island is comprised of two volcanoes separated by a narrow strip of land. The largest, Concepción, an active volcano towering 1,610 m above sea level, is located in the northern half of the island. The smaller, inactive Maderas volcano, with a maximum height of 1,394 m, is located in the island’s southern half. Ometepe’s human population of 37,000 inhabitants, collectively referred to as “ometepinos,” constitutes a blend of different tribes and cultures.

This book represents a complete revision of the authors' previous authoritative work. It incorporates all the significant changes to bird taxonomy that have occurred over the past six years and remains the only single-volume work to list subspecies. Ornithologists are constantly reviewing and revising the scientific and common names of the world's birds--combining and dividing established species and genera. Despite the fact that opinions will continue to vary on the details of avian classification, lists such as this provide a baseline reference to scientific and English names, taxonomy, and distribution for both the professional and amateur ornithologist and taxonomist. In the next decade, new studies using advanced groupings may establish new systematic groupings. The current list, by adding to and amending the classic listing of Peters and his successors, may well be the last and most finely developed list in the traditional mold and, therefore, a prime reference for years to come. Key Features * The most up to date list of the world's birds * Covers their distribution using traditional taxonomy * The only single-volume reference to include subspecies * Lists approximately 9,200 species and their subspecies * Thoroughly revised and updated