What do you need to update our guide to over 400 bird species on one of the Caribbean’s most biodiverse islands? Arturo Kirkconnell, co-author of the recently released second edition Cuban bird field guideThe first field guide of the island, share his journey to update the challenges he faced, His most memorable birdwatching moment In this exclusive Birdscaribbean interview.
Cuba’s diverse ecosystem and unique geography make it a birdlife heaven. 400 Recorded species – Includes 29 Nowhere else found on Earth twenty one It is classified as being threatened worldwide. For birdwatchers, the island is a treasure trove of bird wonders, from winter migratory birds here every year to dazzling Cuban owners, to migratory birds here every year. As the island’s birdwatching community continues to grow, enthusiasts now have important new resources. Cuban bird field guide.
The second edition, co-authored by Arturo Kirkconnell and the late Orlando Garrido, features a complete redesign 95 More than a color plate 700 Images introducing feather birds of men, women and boys. In addition to detailed species accounts, range maps and key identification features, the guide includes important information about breeding and winter feathers, making it an essential tool for identifying both residents and migratory birds.
In this interview, Kirkconnell reflects on his early birdwatching experiences, the complexities of updating his guide, and the advice he gives to his younger self.
Reservations and processes to update your guide
Why you encouraged to update Cuban bird field guideand how does that differ from the original edition?
The first edition was 25 years old and required to break range maps, bird descriptions, taxonomic changes and new records in Cuba. I felt that some aspects could be improved, so I thought this was an opportunity to create a more comprehensive and up-to-date version. Additionally, the edition pays homage to Orlando Galid, the legendary Cuban ornithologist whose groundbreaking work has had a lasting impact on the scientific community.
Orlando Galid was a tireless explorer of the Cuban Islands. Galide praises his achievements for discovering four mammal taxa and accounting for 58 insects, 21 birds and 37 reptiles. Seventeen new records and twenty-three taxa are dedicated to him, among birds, reptiles and fish, and in total he has 298 publications. (Photo: Susan Jacobson)
West Indian woodpecker (Melanerpes superciriaris). In his pioneering ornithological studies, Orlando Galid first described subspecies M.s. Florentinoi of Cayo Largo and M. Sanfelipensis at Cayo Real in 1966 (Photo: Juan Carlos Sepúlveda-Peña ML56028321)
Can you share some of the challenges you faced when researching and editing information in your guide?
The biggest challenge was improving the illustrations. We appreciate the support of Herb Raffaele and the help of the new artists whose contributions enhanced the guide with high quality illustrations. While these are important to the success of field guides, securing funding remains a major obstacle. It’s an expensive project. We want to secure additional funding for new illustrations, especially in our unique future. That’s a dream I’m working on.
How long did it take to complete the book update and what challenges did you face?
It was a five-year journey of intense work. One particularly tough moment was when the computer crashed and lost eight months of progress. It was disappointing, but I pushed through when I found out how important it was to complete the project.
Field guides need a balance between scientific accuracy and accessibility. How did you achieve this?
I aimed to use a simple, clear language to make the text understandable to a wide range of readers. Finding the right balance between scientific accuracy and readability is important, and I think we have achieved that. This guide also includes a glossary and detailed bird terrain to help readers understand bird anatomy and important field marks. It required hours of revisions and the editors did an incredible job of improving the content.
Are Cuban species that hold a special place for you, either because of their rarity or behavior?
All birds have a special place for me, that’s true! I love all of them, but I have a particularly passion for endemic Cuban species. Whether rare or normal, each one is unique and has the charming behaviour and beauty that captivates me.
Bee Hummingbird – The World’s Smallest Bird (Photo: Ibrahim Castellan Mole)
Cuban Black Hawk Call. (Photo by David Ascanio)
Cuba Trogon. (Photo: Jose Pantaleon)
Where in Cuba can someone buy this field guide?
Due to sales restrictions, this field guide cannot be purchased in Cuba. However, Cuban individuals and institutions can obtain copies through donations from friends and colleagues who purchase books overseas and bring them to the country. I hope that all the wildlife experts and nature lovers in Cuba have copies. I have already provided some to my colleagues and birders through donations.
Cuban bird field guide (2nd edition) can be purchased directly Cornell University Press, and Amazon.
About the Author
What first sparked your passion for birds and birdwatching? Are there any interesting or unexpected birdwatching stories to share?
I discovered bird watching at the age of 24. It’s a late start, but it has a huge passion. My journey began with the support of books provided by my colleagues Alejandro Lunaise and Orlando Galido. The first thing that caught my charm was the vibrant North American warbler. I have never seen them before and their impressive colours and behavior immediately attracted me. At the time I had never even seen endemic species in Cuba!
One of my most memorable birdwatching moments was my first encounter with the Stygian owl. It was incredibly close – 3 meters tall and just 5 meters away. I was shaking with excitement, but I couldn’t believe I was watching it in the wide sunlight! Stigian owls are widely distributed, but are nighttime hunters and daytime sightings are extremely rare. It was an emotional moment and to this day it remains my closest and most memorable sighting with this elusive bird.
Do you think your connection to the birds has affected other aspects of your life?
My connection to birds taught me to love all qualities deeply. And it brought more happiness to my life. It also provided me with an interesting and fulfilling magical hobby. Can you imagine having a job that brings you great satisfaction and fun? Birds are truly unique creatures!
What was the last bird book you read (non-field guide!)?
That’s the last bird book I read Bird Genius That’s what happened to the books other than Jennifer Ackerman and the Last Bird myselfthe official autobiography of Elton John. Both are excellent readings.
If you could tell your young birders something, what would it be?
Visiting Long Point Bird Observatory in 1989 was an epic experience. Bird banding training was invaluable and the trip was unforgettable. In particular, during the fall travel, we saw large waves of new species such as warblers, Vireo and thrush. It was a turning point in my journey with the birds. Looking back, I tell my younger self to travel more abroad. There is much to learn from bird watching experiences in different parts of the world. That’s something I missed and is something I really need when I was younger.
As Cuban birdwatching has become more popular, Cuban bird field guide (second Edtion) is an important companion for those exploring the island’s Avifauna. In 2026, Birds Caribbean will once again offer a bird tour to Cuba, making it a great opportunity to experience an incredible bird life firsthand. Make sure to pack this updated guide for your next adventure.
Acknowledgements: Birdscaribbean has visited Arturo Access in the Bird Plates (Artwork) West Indies Birds Raffaele et al. Helping to complete the second edition of Cuban bird field guide. Thank you to Herb Raffaele and his colleagues for the generosity that granted this access.
About the author: Arturo Kirkconnell is a former curator of ornithology at the Museum of Natural History of Cuba. He co-authored two books because he has 77 scientific publications in his name. Cuban bird field guide and Birdwatchers’ Guide to Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico and the Caymans. Arturo has been leading bird watching tours in Cuba since 1988, sharing his expertise and passion for the island’s rich birds.
