Synopses & Reviews
Here is the first and only guide to cover all 572 species of birds known to occur within the 7,100 islands that comprise the Philippines. The Philippines are the home of nearly 172 species that are not found anywhere else in the world-many of which are endangered as the result of high levels of habitat destruction in the Philippine forest. Thus, knowledge and study of the endemic characteristics of the birds of the Philippines are of critical importance.
This Guide is beautifully illustrated with 72 specially painted color plates, showing all species recorded from the Philippines except four rare accidental species. The accompanying text gives detailed information about the plumage, voice, range, distribution, status, habitat, life history, and behavior of the birds and includes helpful distribution maps for all the species highlighted.
Created by an expert team of authors and artists that includes two prominent Philippine ornithologists, this book combines over 60 years of experience and research. Not only will it appeal to ornithologists and avid birders, but it will enthrall conservationists and all nature lovers.
Review
"Less than a decade ago, there were several major gaps in coverage of the Asian avifauna by modern field guides, but with the publication of this new book on the birds of the Philippines the last of these has been filled. ... this book represents a huge advance in the documentation of the Philippine avifauna, and is now the essential reference for birdwatchers visiting the archipelago and for researchers conduction scientific studies of the islands' birds."--Ibis
About the Author
Robert Kennedy is the Director of Natural History Collections and Research for the Museum of Natural History and Science, Cincinnati Museum Center.
Pedro C. Gonzalez is Curator Emeritus at the National Museum of the Philippines.
Table of Contents
Part 1. Introduction; Conservation and Philippine laws. Ornithological clubs and institutions in the Philippines. Bird identification and birding in the Philippines. How to use this book. Part II. Family and Species Descriptions; 72 colour plates with notes and colour distribution maps; Glossary: Bibliography; Index; Checklist of Philippine birds