Birds, mammals, & reptiles of the Galápagos Islands : an identification guide /

Swash and Still, both ecologists, prepared their book as "a handy yet comprehensive field guide to help ... identify ... any bird, mammal or reptile...." To accomplish this they use photographs (a few illustrations) aided by a brief identification paragraph. Paragraphs in the bird section mention both adult and juvenile stages. When appropriate, a map shows the islands on which the species is found. The sections on birds to which most space is devoted also include comments on voice and behavior. Mammals and reptiles are presented in a similar manner except for voice. A size range is included for all species, and a useful appendix, "Checklist of the Regularly Occurring Species," lists the island(s) and habitat preference for each. Also included is information such as status (e.g., breeds, migrants, etc.). There is an introduction (with color photographs) that covers the habitat types of the Galapagos. The waters around the islands are rich in nutrients, thus a large number (25 species) of dolphins and whales are included. The photographs and illustrations are good to excellent. Useful index of scientific names and list for further reading. Recommended to major public libraries and large university libraries. Anyone traveling to the Galapagos Islands should have a copy. General readers; upper-division undergraduate and graduate students. K. L. Williams emeritus, Northwestern State University