The Pichincha province of northern Ecuador is a mecca for birders, and especially for hummingbird lovers. From the cloud forests of Bellavista and Mindo, to the lower elevations of Milpe and Los Bancos, to the high altitude temperate forest of Yanacocha Reserve, hummingbirds abound. Of Ecuador's approximately 131 hummingbird species, at least 40 can be found in this immediate area. Their names alone connote beauty and radiance: Sapphirewings, Brilliants, Shining Sunbeam, Sunangels, Emeralds, Woodstars...these are truly the jewels of South America.

This book showcases 19 different species of these iridescent and feisty acrobats, photographed over a 9-day period in February 2008.