New Guide Spotlights Canary Islands' Unique Birdlife

A new bird guide, focusing solely on the birds of the Canary Islands, shows how important these islands are globally for their rich wildlife and as a top destination for nature tourism. Publisher Zech says the book, titled "All the Birds of the Canary Islands," was written by brothers Beneharo and Airam Rodríguez. It's designed to be a vital resource for studying and sharing knowledge about the islands' diverse birdlife.

This pocket-sized, 288-page book features over 800 photos and details 418 bird species confirmed to be in the Canary Islands as of December 2025. Among these are nine species and about forty subspecies found nowhere else in the world. Besides birds that breed on the islands, the guide also includes those that stop over during migration, spend winter there, or arrive by accident after getting lost. It even covers species that are now extinct or have been seen after escaping from captivity.

For each species, the guide provides its scientific name, where it lives, and its seasonal patterns. For birds that breed on the islands, more details are given about their habitats, how they reproduce, and what they eat. Photos show different plumages, nests, eggs, and chicks. The book also includes short descriptions of the island's ecosystems and the environmental problems they face.

The Rodríguez brothers stress how special the Canary Islands are for wildlife worldwide. With many unique species and subspecies in a small area, the archipelago is one of the most diverse places in the European Union, making it, they believe, a big attraction for birdwatching tourists. The guide is designed for many different people: scientists, casual birdwatchers, environmental educators, nature managers, and activists. To help people learn about and visit the Canary Islands' landscapes and birds responsibly, the authors have added a map showing over 80 interesting locations.

Beneharo Rodríguez, a biologist from the University of La Laguna, has spent his career studying the ecology and threats facing seabirds and birds of prey. He has over a hundred publications and extensive field experience in the Canary Islands. His brother, Airam Rodríguez, holds a PhD in biology from the University of Seville. He has researched in several countries and now works at the National Museum of Natural Sciences (CSIC) in Madrid, where he has investigated how light pollution and plastic affect seabirds.