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.

How do you come up with the idea to list all the birds in the world including the subspecies and to give all birds English names? There is a reason for it - my favorite saying, whose author is unknown: "Everyone said that ́s not possible - then there was one who did not know that and just did it!" I am an animal photographer and probably a little bit crazy. Ive built a complete animal database for mammals and birds over the last decade. This facilitates my work in determining and archiving images and assigning keywords, especially among the many subspecies. With this book, I would like to give all birding friends and ornithologists a complete overview in English. For this I have given unique English names to all subspecies. The naming should not meet any scientific requirements. The names are based on translations from the Latin name, geographical distribution areas and the names of the discoverers. The entries consist of the scientific name, the English name, the distribution areas and the author. I wish you a lot of fun with this book, but especially while watching the fascinating birdlife. fotolulu