Clive Byers works freelance as an artist and illustrator, photographer, writer, lecturer and guide. His enthusiasm has led him in pursuit of birds throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. He has led many trips to various parts of the world, including every country in South America. He has also provided artwork for fieldguides covering the Indian Subcontinent, South-East Asia and many other regions. He illustrated A Guide to the Warblers of the Western Palearctic and has contributed illustrations to a number of journals and books.

Although it is one of South America's smallest countries, Ecuador is home to nearly 1,600 species of birds. This is thanks to the huge variety of habitats created by the Andes. The country is a birder's paradise and an increasingly popular tourist destination. Areas such as Tandayapa, Mindo and La Selva are renowned for their birdwatching potential and boast such dramatic species as Toucan Barbet, Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Andean Condor, Giant Conebill and Ocellated Tapaculo, plus an array of brightly coloured manikins, cotingas, tanagers and hummingbirds. Offshore, the Galapagos Islands provide one of the world's greatest wildlife spectacles.Two hundred and fifty-two of Ecuador and the Galapagos' most interesting and spectacular birds are featured in this concise and easy-to-use guide.

Illustrated with clear colour photography and brief but authoritative descriptions the Pocket Photo Guides highlight the species of birds and animals from each region that the traveller is most likely to see, as well as those that are genuinely endemic (only to be seen in that country or region) or special rarities. The genuine pocket size allow the books to be carried around on trips and excursions and will take up minimal rucksack and suitcase space.