This section reviews
books connected with birds and birding in and around India and only
includes books we have access to. Most of the books reviewed are
easily available from the internet though some of them will only be
with specialist re-sellers.
1. The Book of Indian Birds
~ Salim Ali
BNHS 2002, hardcover 326 pages,
colour plates depicting 538 species.
ISBN: 0-19-566523-6
The perfect
beginners book, the 2002 edition describes and illustrates 538
common species. Illustrations are by Carl D'silva. Additional text
for the new edition has been taken from Dr Ali's field notes and
edited by J C Daniel. While by no means a field guide or a reference
book, the strength of this book lies in the descriptive text which
gives meaning to birds and bird watching in India
2. Handbook of the Birds of India
and Pakistan: Vol 1-10
~ Salim Ali & S. Dillon Ripley
OUP India hardcover 3121 pages,
illustrated.
ISBN: 0195655060
This
ten-volume series is the definitive work in this area and includes
information on taxonomic treatment along with life history
information, accounts of behaviour, ecology, distribution and
migration records of birds of the Indian subcontinent. Intended for
general readers as well as ornithologists, it is the main reference
book available for Indian birds.
First published in 1968-1975.
3. Popular Handbook of Indian Birds
~ Hugh Whistler
Gurney And Jackson, 1928; 1963 fourth reprint,
hardcover,
colour plates
This book
has lost nothing with the passage of time. Hugh Whistler knew his
Indian birds well and is particularly happy in his descriptions of
their habits. Strongly recommended for those who
want to go beyond 'twitching'.
4. Birds of the Indian Subcontinent
~ R. Grimmett, C. Inskipp & T. Inskipp
OUP 1999 hardcover 888 p., 150 Colour
plates, maps
ISBN 0-19-564907-9
A
comprehensive identification guide to the 1,300 species found in
India and the subcontinent. The book has a detailed identification
section, descriptions of calls, habits, habitat, breeding,
distribution and status. Also has distribution maps for all species.
The illustrations are amongst the best available. Taxonomy and
nomenclature follow "An annotated Checklist of the Birds of the
Oriental Region" and the sequence is per Sibley - Monroe. Extremely
bulky and not the most accurate reference book.
5. Pocket Guide to the Birds of the Indian
Subcontinent
~ R. Grimmett, C. Inskipp & T. Inskipp
OUP New Delhi, 1999, softcover 384 p.,
Colour plates and maps
This is a
field version of the "Birds of the Indian Subcontinent" and covers
the bird species found in India and the subcontinent. 153 colour
plates illustrate 1300 species. Some juvenile plumage and
sub-species differences are illustrated. The accompanying text
summarizes key identification features and indicates habitat.
Vocalization is poorly described and the accompanying maps are hard
to locate, and at times inaccurate.
6.
A Field
Guide to the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent
~ Krys Kazmierczak & B. van Perlo
Yale University Press, 2000 hardcover:
352 p., colour plates &
maps
ISBN: 0300079214
A compact
Field Guide to 1,335 species with 96 color plates with filed
identification, habitat, voice, range, and status information.
Taxonomy and nomenclature follow "An annotated Checklist of the
Birds of the Oriental Region" but the sequence follows the
Peters-based systematic order. The distribution maps are a
highlight, as are small touches like including alternative names in
the index. Includes description of calls. All members of a family
are included in a plate wherever possible, aiding identification.
7. Birds of South Asia: The Ripley Guide;
~ Pamela C. Rasmussen & John
C Anderton
Smithsonian Institution & Lynx Edicions, 2005.Hardcover Vol
1& 2.
ISBN: 84-87334-67-9
Vol 1 is a
Field Guide, while Vol 2 contains details of attributes and status.
Covers over 1441 species from the subcontinent and adjoining areas.
The Field Guide is 378 pages and contains accurate illustrations
backed by scientific maps. Vol 2 (683 pages) contains vocalization
and taxonomic details. The book proposes many new splits as full
species. The text in Vol 1 is often too
tiny to read and distribution information is record based rather
than field based. Overall, a must have book for the serious
birdwatcher.
8. A Photographic Guide to the Birds of
India
~ B. Grewal, B. Harvey & O. Pfister
Periplus 2002,
softcover 512 pages, 800 species, 1000 images.
ISBN: 0-7946-0028-X
This
photographic guide covers 800 species found in the Indian
Subcontinent. Each species description is illustrated with one or
more photographs. Introductory sections contain general information
of use to visiting birders, such as the biogeography of the region
covered, advice on timing of visits, and a brief gazetteer. An
useful companion to the field guides.
9. A Field Guide to the Birds of
South-east Asia
~ Craig Robson
New Holland 2000,
softcover 504 pages, colour plates throughout.
ISBN: 1 84330 118 0
A
comprehensive identification guide covering south-east Asia from
Myanmar to Vietnam. 104 colour plates
depict all species and most subspecies of
the region. The text provides details on identification and covers
voice, habitat, behavior, range, status, and breeding. Although the
area covered is outside the Indian subcontinent many birds are
common and this book is an useful reference
in the eastern parts of the country.
10. Birds and Mammals of Ladakh
~ Otto Pfister
OUP, 2004, hardback. Colour photographs
ISBN 9780195657142 Rs. 795
Written by a
Swiss national who lived in India for several years and undertook
many study tours of Ladakh. It is a thorough documentation of the
wealth of wildlife from the Ladakh region. This volume includes full
descriptions and illustrations of 276 bird species, together with
concise details of the 34 species, which have not been sighted after
1960. Bird-watchers, naturalists, scientists and researchers with an
interest in Ladakh should find it an invaluable companion.
11. Birds of Western Ghats, Kokan and
Malabar
~ Satish Pande, S Tambe, C Francis M & N Sant
OUP/BNHS,
hardcover 370 pages 1700 photographs
ISBN-100195668782, Rs 995
The book covers birds of the Western Ghats -
an ecological zone of global importance. This Endemic Bird Area is a
vulnerable hotspot of bird biodiversity. Profusely illustrated with
over 1700 images the book has some interesting touches. It includes
notes relating the species to our heritage and culture and an index
of scientific names, English, Marathi, and Sanskrit common names.
Cluttered design and poor production qualities mar an
otherwise excellent effort. Essential for those interested in the
area.
12. Birds of India
and the Indian Subcontinent
~ Jan Willem den Besten
Mosaic Books, 2008,
softcover 192 pages, Colour photographs
throughout
ISBN 819027760X
Photographic
guide by a Dutch, who lived in Dharamsala, Himachal for several
years and wrote the regional guide to the Birds of Kangra. Over 700
species are described and illustrated. The birds are listed under
groupings like Laughingthrushes, Buzzards and kites, which often
make it difficult for a beginner to use. Erudite text and excellent
production.
13.
Birds of
North India
~ Richard Grimett & Tim Inskipp
Helm, 2003, softcover
304 pages, Colour plates throughout
ISBN 0713651679
Based almost
entirely on the highly acclaimed Birds of the Indian Subcontinent
by the same authors, this convenient guide covers northern India and
Pakistan. Each plate is accompanied by text highlighting
identification, voice, habitat, altitudinal range, distribution and
status. Now available in Hindi, Urdu and Marathi. Extremely useful
in the field though the lack of maps is a handicap.
14. Birds of South India
~ Richard Grimett, Tim Inskipp &
Richard
Allen
Helm, 2005, softcover
240 pages, Colour plates throughout
ISBN-0713651644
Based on the
highly acclaimed Birds of the Indian Subcontinent by the same
authors, this regional guide covers central and south India (Maharashtra,
Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamilnadu and Lakshadweep,
including Pondicherry and the Maldives) Each plate is accompanied by
text highlighting identification, voice, habitat, altitudinal range,
distribution and status. Now available in Tamil, Telegu, Malayalam,
Kannada and Marathi. Excellent if you are using it in the area. No
distribution maps.
15. A Photographic Guide to Birds of the
Himalayas
~ Bikram Grewal & Otto Pfister
New Holland 2004, softcover pocket guide, 144 pages 260 images
ISBN: 1843308088
This
convenient pocket guide cover 252 birds, both resident and
migratory, occurring in the Himalaya. Well illustrated with
identifiable images in most cases, the text is descriptive and
fluid. Covers most species met by the casual birder in the western
Himalaya.
16. A Photographic Guide to Birds of India
and Nepal
~ Bikram Grewal
OM Book Service 2008,
softcover pocket guide, 144 pages 255 images & maps
ISBN: 8187108347
Pocket-sized
photo travelling guide to 252 species of birds found in Indian and
Nepal. Features individual accounts and a single color photo for
each species covered. Most common birds encountered in the
sub-continent are covered though the accompanying maps need
updating. Arranged according to Dillon Ripley's 'A Synopsis of the
Birds of India and Pakistan', a system no longer widely followed.
17. Atlas of the Birds of Delhi and
Haryana
~ Bill Harvey, N Devasar & B Grewal
Rupa & Co. 2006, softcover,
352 pages, colour illustrations and maps.
ISBN-10: 8129109549, Rs. 795
The Atlas
covers distribution and seasonality of 266 species from the
adjoining areas of Delhi and Haryana. Beautifully illustrated by two
images of the bird, the text focuses on habitats and behaviour
rather than the usual descriptive information found in field guides.
Short accounts cover a further 252 species which are either scarce
or very local in the two states. The introductory chapters include
some regional rural folktales involving birds.
18. About Indian Birds
~ Salim Ali, Laeeq Futehally
Photographs by Nikhil Devasar
Wisdom Tree, 2008, hardcover 122 pages,
Colour photographs
ISBN-9788183280853 Price Rs495
Revamp of
book first published in 1967, with new names and colour photographs.
Lively text covers a few limited birds and is strictly for the
beginner.
19. Birds of Prey of the Indian
Subcontinent
~ Rishad Naoroji
Om Books/Helm 2006
hardcover 692 pages Colour plates & photographs
ISBN 9788187107699
Remarkable
book written by the expert on the subject. Each of the 69 species of
raptors found in India has been covered in great detail. The
comprehensive text covers all aspects of identification, behaviour
and distribution. A landmark publication and last word on the
subject. Excellent
20.
Birds of Goa: a Reference Book
~ Heinz Lainer
Other India Bookshop,
hardback, 224 Pages B/W illustrations
ISBN-10: 8185569614
More of a
documentation of the Birds of Goa than an
identification guide. Solidly researched, it deals with the habitat,
population, distribution, migration, breeding status and other
aspects of the 420 bird species recorded in Goa. For those who want
more details on the Birds of Goa than what is available in
guidebooks.
21. A
Birdwatchers' Guide to India
~ Krys Kazmierczak and Raj Singh
OM Books,
1998, softcover,
334 pages,
line drawings &
maps
ISBN-10: 1871104084
Outdated but
still indispensable guide to over 90 sites and areas, for birds as
well as other wildlife. Contains a checklist of Indian birds and
mammals. Details of how to reach, available accommodation and help
in planning your trip, along with key species that can be possibly
seen makes it extremely useful. There is an urgent need for a new
edition.
22. Birds of India: A Literary Companion
~ A J Urfi (Ed)
OUP, 2008, hardcover
ISBN 9780195689457, Rs. 650
An excellent
selection on writings on birds sourced from several, ancient,
medieval and modern writings. Writers include Edward H Aitken (EHA),
Allen O Hume, Douglas Dewar, Sálim Ali, S
Theodore Baskaran, R.S. Dharmakumarsinhji, Edward P Gee, Peter
Jackson & Zai Whitaker. Abul Kalam Azad,
William Dalrymple, Rudyard Kipling, Jawaharlal Nehru, Khushwant
Singh, and Mark Twain add an new dimension
to this delectable anthology. A must for anyone interested in birds
23. Important Bird
Areas in India Priority sites for conservation
~ Asad Rahmani & Zafar Islam (Eds)
BNHS/IBCN/Birdlife 2004,
hardcover 1334 pages. Maps & photos
ISBN: 9780195673333,
Rs 3,000
The result
of five years' exhaustive work by the BNHS. It is the most detailed
publication ever produced on the subject of birds or conservation in
India. The study has given a detailed
analysis of sites that have been identified for bird conservation in
India. Each bird area is introduced with maps, analysis, avifauna
section and a brief description of threatened birds, which have
important habitats in the relevant states. Truly monumental work
24. Birds in Our Lives
~ Ashish Kothari
Orient Longman 2007,
softcover 308 pages.
Colour photographs
ISBN 9788173715860, Rs 595
Interesting
accounts by an author who has been involved with conservation in
India. Subjects covered include, birds in Indian culture,
Ornithology through Indian history, the wonder of migration, birds
in Indian economy, Indian birds in danger. Excellently produced, It
will be of great interest to students of Indian ornithology.
25. A Bird’s Eye View Vols. I & II
~ Tara Gandhi (Ed)
Permanent Black 2007,
hardcover pages
905
ISBN
978-81-7824-170-8 Rs 1495
Excellent
compilation of Salim Ali’s writing by his former student. This body
of Sálim Ali’s work has never before been gathered together into a
book. His scientific papers, shorter writings, public lectures,
interviews and radio broadcasts have been painstaking edited and
selected by the editor. This commendable effort will of interest to
all lovers of Dr Salim Ali’s work.
