The best field guide to the birds of the Indian subcontinent is now even better. Thoroughly revised, with 73 new plates and many others updated or repainted, the second edition of Birds of India now features all maps and text opposite the plates for quicker and easier reference. Newly identified species have been added, the text has been extensively revised, and all the maps are new. Comprehensive and definitive, this is the indispensable guide for anyone birding in this part of the world.
The leading field guide to the birds of the Indian subcontinent–now thoroughly revised and improved 1,375 species illustrated and described, including all residents, migrants, and vagrants 226 color plates–including 73 new ones–depict every species and many distinct plumages and races Concise text and accurate distribution maps opposite plates for easy reference Includes newly identified species
Not Perfect but it covers a huge area! This is one of the largest and heaviest bird books I own, but it covers such a large area that this is necessary. The problems are due to the fact that it covers such a large area. For birds in a limited area such as the Andaman Islands, the range maps are clear where the birds are and aren’t seen. But for it is not possible for a range map to be accurate for such as large area. I have relied, instead, on bird watching trip reports and find that many birds expected in an area are not seen…
Daunting numbers, but a good Guide! For someone who has never been to the sub-continent, but is planning to go next year, this is a great introduction, if a little daunting with the sheer numbers involved! With 1300 odd species, almost twice what we have in Australia, it is a heck of a lot to fit into a “Field Guide”. This brings me to the only 2 small criticisms that I have of the book …. Firstly the type is very small. For a person with a few years behind him now it is difficult to read in dim light without glasses…
Best Field Guide to the Birds of India I recently used this field guide during a trip to India and I was very satisfied with the quality of the illustrations, with the text that is concise although precise and the maps useful even if very small considering the size of the geographic area covered by this book. The taxonomy is up to date and finally the paper is very good quality, thick enough to prevent seeing the illustrations from the next page appearing through and pretty resistant to intensive use. I wish I had bought a hard…