Birds of the Tropical Andes releases today, offering a captivating visual exploration of one of the most biodiverse and iconic birding regions in the world, as seen through the eyes of a photographer.
Stretching over 5,500 miles from Venezuela to Argentina, the Tropical Andes is home to some of the planet’s most unique and diverse bird habitats. This stunning new book, created by renowned photographer Owen Deutsch and Michael Parr, President of the American Bird Conservancy (ABC), immerses readers in the beauty and fragility of this extraordinary ecosystem through a pairing of fine imagery and expert commentary.
All About the Birds
Following their successful 2019 publication, Bringing Back the Birds, Deutsch and Parr’s latest book provides a deeper dive into the upper and central regions of the Andes, highlighting the complex relationships between these ecosystems and the birds that inhabit them. The Tropical Andes is home to over 1,500 bird species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. From the mighty Andean Condor to the dazzling hummingbirds and the elusive Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, the region is a birding paradise.
However, this paradise is increasingly under threat. The Andes’ steep gradients naturally fragment habitats, making it a hotbed of endemic species but also vulnerable to disruptions. Deforestation, mining, and agricultural expansion, compounded by the pressures of climate change, are taking a toll on these fragile ecosystems. The plight of species like the Blue-throated Hillstar, a hummingbird discovered only in 2017 and limited to a few square kilometers in southwestern Ecuador, serves as a stark reminder of the fragile balance of this environment.
Despite these threats, conservation efforts are underway, and the book aims to bring renewed attention to the critical need for preservation. Through their partnership, Deutsch and Parr provide not only a stunning visual record of the Andes but also a call to action, underscoring the importance of collective efforts to protect these vital habitats.
A Journey Through the Andes: Four Major Ecological Zones
The structure of Birds of the Tropical Andes offers readers a “virtual transect” through the region. Divided into subchapters, the book takes birders and nature enthusiasts on a journey from the Pacific Slope and Western Andes to the Colombian north, across the High Andes, and into the Cloud Forests on the East Slope, before descending to the dry foothills beyond. Each zone is explored in detail, with a focus on the biogeography, bird diversity, conservation challenges, and ideal birding locations within each area.
The book features over 260 of Deutsch’s breathtaking photographs, capturing the vivid colors and intricate details of these stunning species. Accompanying the visuals are insightful essays, including a foreword by renowned ornithologist Alvaro Jaramillo, that shed light on the region’s ecological significance, its rich birdlife, and the vital conservation work being done on the ground.
A Comprehensive Resource for Birders and Conservationists
Birds of the Tropical Andes is not just a coffee-table book; rather, it is a comprehensive educational resource, offering essential perspectives from leading bird conservationists. The book covers the full range of Andean habitats, profiling representative species, both rare and common, and discusses the unique geology, culture, and biodiversity of the region.
With the release of the 2025 State of the Birds Report by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which highlights the ongoing loss of bird populations globally, the book’s timing couldn’t be more critical. The recent “3 billion birds” report showed alarming declines in North American bird species, and the Andes, like so many ecosystems, stands at a crossroads. By highlighting the beauty and fragility of the Tropical Andes, Deutsch and Parr hope to inspire greater awareness and action among readers.
A Call to Action
Whether you’re an avid birder, an ecotourist, or an armchair naturalist, Birds of the Tropical Andes is a thoughtful addition to any nature enthusiast’s library and an inspiration to aspiring photographers. The book not only captures the grandeur of one of the world’s most breathtaking ecosystems but also emphasizes the importance of preserving it for future generations.
With its lush, diverse habitats, and its birds that range from the breathtaking Buff-Tailed Coronet to the vibrant Chilean Flamingo, the Tropical Andes is a region in desperate need of attention. The work being done by organizations like the American Bird Conservancy, whose efforts are highlighted in the book, is making a difference, but more support and awareness are needed.
In the coming weeks, the authors will delve deeper into their experiences in the Andes through a series of blog posts, offering additional insights into the birds and conservation efforts that make this region so unique, a vital reminder of the responsibility we all share in protecting the world’s most fragile ecosystems.
‘Birds of the Tropical Andes’ Is Available Now
Birds of the Tropical Andes releases today, July 8, for $35 (£30) and is published by Princeton University Press.
Image credits: Princeton University Press, Owen Deutsch, Michael Parr, book images by Drohan DiSanto
