Bursting with dazzling photographs and contributions from celebrated conservationists, Birds of the Tropical Andes, out July 8, 2025 by Princeton University Press, showcases the wonder and incredible diversity of Andean birds and the unique habitats they depend on. In their latest collaboration, Michael J. Parr, President of American Bird Conservancy (ABC), and renowned bird photographer Owen Deutsch invite you on a visually captivating journey that explores the Tropical Andes and shares the best places to experience birding and bird photography.

Featuring a foreword by birding expert Álvaro Jaramillo and personal stories from regional conservation leaders, including Rodrigo W. Soria Auza, Constantino Aucca Chutas, Sara Inés Lara, and Martin Schaefer, this beautiful, large-format book is a one-of-a-kind photographic guide featuring images of over 200 bird species. After seven years of immersive fieldwork across Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, the book also sheds light on the latest findings from the field with invaluable first-person perspectives.

“This book is designed to inspire people to visit the Tropical Andes, which have some of the greatest birding in the world, and also some of the most important bird conservation projects,” said Parr. “Habitat loss by far is the biggest threat to the region's biodiversity, but by visiting the Andes and the reserves ABC set up with local partners, you can really do a lot to help bird conservation and local communities through this type of ecotourism.” 

“Both Michael and I have spent considerable time in the Andes independently, and we also carried out four joint photographic expeditions to the region,” said Deutsch. “We are excited to release this new book, which features vivid bird photography as well as insights into the region's habitats and the extraordinary birds that live there.”

Spanning over 4,300 miles across much of the western part of South America, the Andes are the world's longest continental mountain range, and home to some of the world's most magnificent birds, from the exquisite Sword-billed Hummingbird to the fabulous James's Flamingo. Considered one of the most biodiverse hotspots on the planet, the Tropical Andes are home to more than 1,700 bird species, with approximately a third of them found nowhere else on Earth.

“If you love birds and you haven't yet been to the Tropical Andes, the photographs of Owen Deutsch will make you wonder why you've waited. If you love birds and you have been to the Tropical Andes, Michael Parr's lively and authoritative commentary will deepen your appreciation of the region and its birds. Their unparalleled diversity and splendor are beautifully captured in this book,” said ABC board member Jonathan Franzen, author of The End of the End of the Earth and many other books.

“Having been to the high Andes, every page of this gorgeous book makes me long to return,” said ABC board member Amy Tan, author of books including The Backyard Bird Chronicles and The Joy Luck Club. “The stunning photographs by Owen Deutsch capture the otherworldliness of bizarrely beautiful birds in their paradisal habitat. Michael Parr provides authoritative information on species and habitats that give new and seasoned travelers a rich understanding of what makes birds of the high Andes a not-to-be-missed lifetime experience.”

Creating nature reserves has been a hallmark of ABC since its founding 30 years ago. Together with partners and local communities, ABC has helped protect over 1.1 million acres of land in more than 100 reserves spread across 15 countries, benefiting 3,000 bird species to date. Many of these reserves are located in the Tropical Andes and are critical to avoiding the extinction of rare species, like the Red-fronted Macaw and the Marvelous Spatuletail hummingbird.

“Michael Parr has done as much as anyone to understand and protect the astonishing diversity of birds in South America's Andes. Owen Deutsch has done as much to let us see them — in breathtaking images. Decades of deep experience make this book a must-have for anyone considering a birding trip to the Andes. I cannot imagine that any single book could be a better, quicker way to orient to the region and its birds,” said ABC board member Carl Safina, author of Eye of the Albatross, Becoming Wild, and Alfie and Me.

Watch ABC's webinar to learn more about the authors' behind-the-scenes travel experiences and where you can visit reserves supported by ABC. Whether you're planning your trip to the Andes or simply interested in learning more, you can help to support bird conservation by ordering a copy today. 

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American Bird Conservancy (ABC) takes bold action to conserve wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. Inspired by the wonder of birds, we achieve lasting results for the bird species most in need while also benefiting human communities, biodiversity, and the planet's fragile climate. Our every action is underpinned by science, strengthened by partnerships, and rooted in the belief that diverse perspectives yield stronger results. Founded as a nonprofit organization in 1994, ABC remains committed to safeguarding birds for generations to come. Join us! Together, we can do more to ensure birds thrive.

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