Synopses & Reviews
For over 50 years The Book of Indian Birds has been a close companion of both amateur bird-watching enthusiasts and seasoned ornithologists in India. This much-awaited new edition covers 538 species and includes the extensive changes in the scientific and common bird names that have taken place since the last revision in 1996, providing uniformity and allowing birdwatchers to communicate more easily with one another while exchanging their observations. Extensively illustrated, the book remains an indispensable field guide for everyone who wishes to enjoy the rich and varied bird life of India.
Review
"The present work is a concise guide to the varied birdlife of [India]. It is small enough o handle in the field with ample color plates and an authoritative text that will help identify most of the species encountered. If India is in your dreams then this timely book will help the birding traveler. --Indiana Audubon Quarterly, Charles E. Keller
Table of Contents
Preface to the 13th Edition, J. C. Daniel
Preface to the Salim Ali Birth Centenary Edition, J. C. Daniel
Current Sequence of Orders and Families
Contents
Preface to the 11th Edition, Dr. Salim Ali
Sequence of Orders and Families dealt with in this book
Changes in Territorial Names
Introduction
Illustration of a Bird's Plumage and Parts
Terms used in description of a Bird's Plumage and Parts
Types of Bills
Types of Feet
How to Recognise Birds in the Field
1. Birds with Prominent Tail
2. Birds with Prominent Bills
3. Birds with Prominent Crest
4. Long-legged Birds
5. Bright Coloured Birds
6. Sober Coloured Birds
Description of 64 Plates
Description of 538 Plates
Some Nests and Nesting Behaviour
Flight
Bird Migration
The Usefulness of Birds
Bird Watching
Index of Common Names
Index of Scientific Names