ORNITHOLOGICAL LITERATURE 
421 
experienced in illustrating Cuban wildlife. Only 
five species known from Cuba are not illustrated, 
some of which are difficult to distinguish from 
congenerics (e.g., Common Nighthawk \Chor- 
tleiles minor]: Bicknell's Thrush [Cathums bick- 
nelli ]). which are already depicted, or species that 
have occurred only recently (e.g.. Lesser Black- 
backed Gull. Lams fuscus). Both sexes are 
illustrated in the case of sexually dichromatic 
species whereas adult and juvenile or immature 
plumages are shown for those species with 
plumage that differs with age. Some juvenile 
plumages for Cuban species are illustrated for the 
first time (e.g., Cuban Green Woodpecker [Xiphi- 
diopicus percussus ]; Cuban Gnatcatcher [Poliop- 
tila lembeyei ]; Zapata Sparrow | Torreornis in- 
expectant]) as are some endemic races. Most 
Nearctic-neotropical migrants are illustrated in the 
plumage most commonly observed in Cuba (i.e., 
basic plumage), although alternate plumages are 
also shown for those species that molt prior to 
vernal migration. Illustrations of birds in flight 
augment each species' depiction in perched or still 
posture for most waterfowl, raptors, shorebirds, 
gulls, and terns. Overall, most illustrations are 
attractive, although one could quibble with the 
accuracy of postures, shapes, proportions, and 
color patterns of some illustrated species. How¬ 
ever, observers should be able to use the pictures 
to identify the endemics and most of the resident 
species. Observers should also have no problem 
using the plates to identify species of migrant 
warblers; however, migrant species that are 
difficult to identify, such as shorebirds, flycatch¬ 
ers, vireos, and sparrows may require reference to 
a North American field guide. 
.-Ires de Cuba is a translation of the Field Guide 
to the Birds of Cuba published by the same 
authors in 2000. I am not qualified to evaluate the 
quality of the translation but my comparisons of 
some passages of the Spanish text w ith the earlier 
English text suggests the translation is faithful to 
the original. Aves de Cuba has been updated since 
the English version with more recent information 
reflecting taxonomic revisions resulting in an 
increase in numbers of endemic species and 
subspecies. Recent observations of species new 
to the island list since 2000 have also been added 
(e.g., Lesser Black-backed Gull) as well as a 
revision of the list of threatened species and their 
status. Range maps have also been revised tor 
several resident species since the original English 
version. The earlier version stated that it followed 
the systematic sequence and species-level changes 
as well as the common and scientific names 
suggested by the American Ornithologists’ Union 
(1998 Check-list of North American Birds, 7th 
Edition), whereas the recent Spanish version notes 
the recommendations in the AOU checklist and 
supplements are not strictly followed. Bird identi¬ 
fication based on the plates has been facilitated in 
the Spanish version by using numbers and, at times, 
letters for each image, which enables the reader to 
match the image with the numbered species name 
in the legend on the page opposite each plate. The 
new plate legends not only list the scientific name 
and Cuban common name for each species, but also 
provide brief identification notes as well as the 
page number for the corresponding species account 
text, both of which were missing in the earlier 
English version. The only discrepancy and minor 
error that I found in the Spanish version was the 
absence of small boxes in front of each species 
name in the Index to enable birders to record their 
Cuban observations, despite advising readers at the 
end of the Introduction of its presence in the Index. 
Aves de Cuba makes a valuable contribution by 
providing an important summary of Cuban birds 
that is accessible to Spanish speakers, especially 
important for reaching a broad Cuban audience. 
The earlier English version, which was a useful 
compilation of Cuban ornithology when published 
in 2000. has been revised and updated in this 
Spanish version. The various organizations that 
supported this translated version, as summarized 
in the Foreword by John Fitzpatrick, should be 
recognized for supporting the translation and 
revision of this important work. The fact that the 
Cuba's Ministry of Science, Technology, and 
Environment has collaborated in distributing this 
book to various organizations, agencies, and 
schools throughout Cuba bodes well for ornitho¬ 
logical knowledge, appreciation, and conservation 
in Cuba. Not only should this book be distributed 
widely in Cuba, but it also belongs in the libraries 
of institutions and individuals with an interest 
in Caribbean birds.—JOSEPH M. WUNDERLE 
JR.. International Institute of Tropical Forestry, 
USDA Forest Service, Sabana Field Research 
Station. HC 02 Box 6205. Luquillo. Puerto Rico 
00773, USA; e-mail: jmwunderle@gmail.com 
FEATHERS; THE EVOLUTION OF A NAT¬ 
URAL MIRACLE. By Thor Hanson. Basic Books 
Publishing. New York, USA. 2011: 256 pages, 30 
