On this page

Bhutan

The books are listed by publication date with the most recent at the top.

Asia

Asia

A Photograhic Field Guide to Birds of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh

Bikram Grewal, Sumit Sen, Sarwandeep Singh, Nikhil Devasar, Garima Bhatia

Princeton University Press

2017

Originally published by Om Book in 2016 as A Pictorial Field Guide to Birds of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

"This is the only comprehensive photographic field guide to the birds of the entire Indian subcontinent. Every distinct species and subspecies--some 1,375 in all--is covered with photographs, text, and maps. The guide features more than 4,000 stunning photographs, many never before published, which have been carefully selected to illustrate key identification features of each species. The up-to-date facing-page text includes concise descriptions of plumage, voice, range, habitat, and recent taxonomic changes. Each species has a detailed map reflecting the latest distribution information and containing notes on status and population density. The guide also features an introduction that provides an overview of birdlife and a brief history of ornithology in India and its neighbors. The result is an encyclopedic photographic guide that is essential for everyone birding anywhere in the subcontinent.

A Pictorial Field Guide to Birds of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh

Bikram Grewal, Sumit Sen, Sarwandeep Singh, Nikhil Devasar, Garima Bhatia

Om Books

2016

Subsequently published by Princeton University Press in 2017 as A Photographic Field Guide to Birds of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

"This book covers over 1,300 species and distinct sub-species of birds found in the Indian subcontinent. It contains over 4,000 colour photographs including depictions of flight, plumage, hunting style and much more. Many of the photographs in this comprehensive field guide appear for the first time, and have been carefully selected to showcase the most important features of each species. The text provides vital and new information on voice and habits of each species. The distribution maps are accompanied by notes on status and density. A Pictorial Field Guide to Birds of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will enable accurate field identification in one of the world's most diverse avifaunal regions.

Collins Field Guide: Birds of India: Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka

Norman Arlott

2015

"This comprehensive new field guide is an excellent addition to the world-renowned series – the ultimate reference book for travelling birdwatchers. Every species of bird you might encounter in Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Andaman Islands, the Nicobar Islands and the Maldives is featured, apart from non-established introductions. Beautiful artwork depicts their breeding plumage, and non-breeding plumage when it differs significantly. The accompanying text concentrates on the specific characteristics and appearance of each species that allow identification in the field, including voice, and distribution maps."

Birds of India: Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives

Richard Grimmett, Carol Inskipp and Tim Inskipp

Princeton University Press

2012

"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. 1,375 species are illustrated and described, including all residents, migrants, and vagrants. With 226 color plates that depict every species and many distinct plumages and races."

Birds of South Asia. The Ripley Guide

Volume 1: Field Guide

Volume 2: Attributes and Status

Pamela C. Rasmussen and John C. Anderton

Second edition

2012

"Birds of South Asia. The Ripley Guide is a comprehensive, two-volume, up-to-date work covering the over 2500 known and likely taxa of birds of the spectacularly diverse Indian subcontinent including, for the first time, Afghanistan and the Chagos Archipelago. Volume 1 is a Field Guide, bound separately for portability, while Volume 2 (Attributes and Status) contains much more detailed information. The second edition is revised and updated with the newest findings on vocalizations and taxonomy, including several taxa newly recorded for the region, species whose voice was previously unknown, and additional newly recognised species."

Birds of the Indian Subcontinent

Richard Grimmett, Carol Inskipp and Tim Inskipp

Christopher Helm

2nd edition

2011

"This new field guide is based on the authors' groundbreaking Birds of the Indian Subcontinent (1998) and covers all the bird species found in India, Pakistian, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and the Maldives. The plates face the descriptions and maps for quick at-a-glance reference. Many of the plates have been repainted for this edition and a number of new species added. This guide also provides tables, summarising identification features of particularly difficult groups such as nightjars, warblers and rosefinches."

Birds of the Indian Subcontinent: A Field Guide

Ranjit Manakadan, J.C. Daniel, and Nikhil Bhopale

Oxford University Press

2011

"This book is a revised edition of a pictorial guide to the birds of the Indian subcontinent first published in 1983. The book deals with the birds of the Indian Subcontinent - India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, including the islands of Andaman and Nicobars, Lakshadweep, and Maldives and not includes Afghanistan and the Chagos Archipelago. The main part of the book is taken up by bird topography and complemented by 112 plates containing illustrations of 1251 species to describe how their family/species perceived in the society. Additional notes of over 100 definite species are also provided to add special flavour to the reader. The Guide contains species descriptions to aid field identification, as there are quite a few bird species where a pictorial representation is not sufficient, especially to identify similar looking birds. The brief descriptions of the species have been added to enable quick identification, except for species where more detailing is required."

Birds of Prey of the Indian Subcontinent

Rishad Naoroji

2011

"Birds of Prey of the Indian Subcontinent is a complete guide to the raptors of the Indian subcontinent, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and the Maldives. The huge diversity of habitat types and altitudinal variation gives rise to a correspondingly large avifauna. The diurnal birds of prey are well represented – 70 species of hawk, buzzard, kite, harrier, eagle, vulture, falcon and falconet are found in the region. Each species is shown in all usual plumage forms, in flight and at rest. The species accounts cover all aspects of field identification, and also include sections on distribution, behaviour, status and population."

Bhutan Birds

Yeshey Dorji

2008

"Bhutan is an ornithologistís paradise with over 640 bird species of which 16 species have been identified as being globally threatened, according to Bird Life International, the eastern and the central part of the kingdom like Zhemgang are reputed to be among the best birding spots in Asia. Yeshey Dorji puts together images of live birds in their natural habitats within Bhutan. Each dzongkhag (district) has a chapter where the author divulges a brief background of the natural history before displaying the beautiful birds of the region."

About Indian Birds: Including Birds of Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Pakistan and Bangladesh

Salim Ali and Laeeq Futehally

2008

"With beautiful, hand-drawn illustrations and lithographs, About Indian Birds is an ideal companion for not just amateur bird-watchers and wildlife enthusiasts but also seasoned ornithologists. The book is ideal for everyone who wishes to enjoy the rich and varied bird-life of India."

Birds of Prey of the Indian Subcontinent

Rishad Naoroji

2006

"A complete guide to the raptors of the Indian subcontinent. Lavishly illustrated with 24 colour plates and around 600 photos, each species is shown in all usual plumage forms, in flight and at rest. The species accounts cover all aspects of field identification, and also include sections on distribution, behaviour, status and population. The Indian subcontinent comprises the countries of India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and the Maldives. This region encompasses a great diversity of habitat types and a full range of altitudinal variation, and has a correspondingly large avifauna. The diurnal birds of prey are well represented - 70 species of hawk, buzzard, kite, harrier, eagle, vulture, falcon and falconet are found in the region. Anyone birding in the Indian subcontinent will find this book an invaluable aid to identifying and understanding the region's diverse raptor avifauna."

A Photographic Guide to the Birds of India: Including Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Pakistan and Bangladesh

Amano Samarpan

2006

"Awarded Best Produced Paperback Book of 2006 by the Federation of Indian Publishers, this pocket-sized photographic book makes accurate identification of more common birds in the field possible. The photographs, all taken in the wild and India, clearly show the birds often with a variety of plumages while the text details the life of these colourful creatures. There is also a personal introduction to the experience of birding in India with reference to relevant books and websites. Ideal for any visitor to the Indian subcontinent."

Birds of South Asia. The Ripley Guide

Volume 1: Field Guide

Volume 2: Attributes and Status

Pamela C. Rasmussen and John C. Anderton

2005

A two volume work covering over 1500 species recorded in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, the Chagos archipelago and Afghanistan.

Volume one is a field guide with 176 colour plates, 69 of which are by Anderton. The plates are accompanied by brief text to aid identification and range maps.

Volume two comprises mainly detailed species accounts for all species including information on identification, measurements, subspecies, distribution, plumage variation, habits, voice and taxonomy.

Birds in Bhutan: Status and Distribution

Peter Spierenburg

2005

"Covers all 645 species recorded in Bhutan up to 2004 with 950 maps & graphs backing up the species accounts that provide a detailed overview of the geographical, altitudinal and seasonal distribution of Bhutan's birds."

Birds of Bhutan

Carol Inskipp, Tim Inskipp and Richard Grimmett

Christopher Helm

Revised edition

2004

"Major contribution to the ornithology of the Himalayan region and the first detailed guide to cover the birds of Bhutan exclusively. Covering 555 species and with stunning colour plates, this is a concise and informative guide covering identification, voice, habitat, altitudinal range, distribution and status. It was sponsored by the Worldwide Fund for Nature, which is testament to its importance in the long-term conservation of the country's birds."

A Photographic Guide to the Birds of India: Including Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Pakistan, Bangladesh & Bhutan

Bikram Grewal, Bill Harvey and Otto Pfister

2003

"This is the most comprehensive photographic guide to the birds of India and the Indian subcontinent. Never before have so many of the region's species been illustrated in one book. The brilliant photographs - most of which appear here for the first time - have been carefully selected to show not only the most common Passerine and non-Passerine species, but also more elusive species and distinctive subspecies. An up-to-date distribution map and a unique code indicating frequency and global status are provided for each of the 668 species covered. The concise text provides vital information on habitats, habits, and voice to ensure accurate identification. Designed for easy use, the book places photos and maps in close proximity to provide an at-a-glance overview for each species. Birds are indexed by both their common and scientific names. This is an essential volume for all birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts as well as for anyone traveling to India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Bhutan."

A Photographic Guide to the Birds of India: Including Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Pakistan, Bangladesh & Bhutan

Bikram Grewal, Bill Harvey and Otto Pfister

2003

"This guide covers 800 species found in India. Each species description is illustrated with a photograph and distribution map, making this a quick-reference guide in a pocketable format. Introductory sections include general information, such as the biogeography of the region covered."

Field Guide to the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent

Krys Kazmierczak

Pica Press

2000

"This compact, easy to use guide covers all 1300 species of birds found on the Indian subcontinent. It provides a companion for anyone travelling in Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and should also be useful in peripheral regions for which few guides exist."

Birds of India: Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives

Richard Grimmett, Carol Inskipp and Tim Inskipp

Princeton University Press

1999

"From the snowcapped Himalayas and the Indus valley, to the Ganges delta and the Sri Lankan forests, the Indian subcontinent is home to 13% of the world's species of birds and thousands of birders and ecotourists flock to the area every year. This field guide will be indispensable to those who wish to find and identify the many species of avifauna of the Indian subcontinent and environs. Featuring more than 150 color plates by eminent bird illustrators from Europe and India, it depicts all the known species in the region, ranging from the Himalayan Snowcock in the north to the Sri Lanka Spurfowl in the south. The plates include all relevant identifiable subspecies, as well as ages and sexes. It contains hundreds of range maps and the succinct text on the facing pages covers identification, voice, and distribution. Specially designed for use in the field, it is a compact version of the landmark A Guide to the Birds of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, hailed on its publication as a "stunning book" that "advanced the cause of Indian birding by 20-30 years." With its modest price, small trim size, and sturdy, weather-resistant binding, this field guide is the one volume that every adventurous traveler to the Indian subcontinent must have."

Birds of Bhutan

Carol Inskipp, Tim Inskipp and Richard Grimmett

Christopher Helm

1999

"A guide to the ornithology of Bhutan, a country of great physical beauty and, unusually, one with much of its primary forest intact. It covers all 555 species regularly recorded in the country and includes a list of vagrants."

Pocket Guide to the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent

Richard Grimmett, Carol Inskipp and Tim Inskipp

1999 (reprint 2001)

"This is a pocket version companion to "Birds of the Indian Subcontinent" covering all the bird species found in India, Pakistian, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and the Maldives. The plates face the descriptions for quick at-a glance reference. This guide provides tables, summarising identification features of particularly difficult groups such as nightjars, warblers and rosefinches."

Birds of the Indian Subcontinent

Richard Grimmett, Carol Inskipp and Tim Inskipp

Christopher Helm

1998

"A definitive guide to the birds of India, with over one thousand three hundred species listed. The text is accompanied by colour illustrations and line drawings, with notes on identification, habits, and distribution maps for each species."

A Guide to the Birds of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives

Richard Grimmett, Carol Inskipp, & Tim Inskipp

With the collaboration of Sarath Kotagama and Shahid Ali

Princeton University Press

1998

"Birdwatchers have long waited for a comprehensive and up-to-date identification guide for the Indian subcontinent. This exhaustively researched and beautifully produced book will finally meet that need. Written by three leading experts on the region - Richard Grimmett, Carol Inskipp, and Tim Inskipp - the book provides complete information about the 1,300 species of birds found in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. The guide is firmly rooted in the authors' extensive field experience, reflected in the accuracy and fullness of their bird descriptions. The guide features more than 150 color plates by eminent bird illustrators from Europe and India that depict all the species in the region, ranging from the Himalayan Snowcock in the north to the Sri Lanka Spurfowl in the south. The plates include all relevant identifiable subspecies, as well as ages and sexes. The text consists of a detailed identification section, discussing the differences between similar species and containing descriptions of vocalizations, habits, habitat, breeding, distribution, and status. There are distributional maps for nearly all species. And the authors' introduction provides useful background information about such subjects as conservation, the history of ornithology on the subcontinent, and the climate. A detailed bibliography provides an introduction to the prolific literature on the subcontinent."

A Pictorial Guide to Birds of the Indian Subcontinent

Salim Ali and S. Dillon Ripley

Bombay Natural History Society

Second edition

1996

An edition with revised text.

An Introduction to Birdwatching in Bhutan

Carol Inskipp and Tim Inskipp

World Wide Fund for Nature Bhutan

1995

An introduction to birdwatching in Bhutan that provides descriptions of 35 species and a complete checklist for Bhutan up to May 1994.

Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan

Compact Edition

Salim Ali and S. Dillon Ripley

Oxford University Press (India)

Second edition

1987

A single, compact edition of the 10 volume Handbook. This second compact edition incorporated more material from the second edition of the full handbook.

A Pictorial Guide to Birds of the Indian Subcontinent

Salim Ali and S. Dillon Ripley

Bombay Natural History Society

1983

"This unique volume depicts all of the bird species in the Indian subcontinent, systematically organized for easy access and quick reference. The book includes 106 plates, 73 in full color by John Henry Dick, the distinguished illustrator. Concise information concerning status, size, habitat, and distribution of the birds is included. The book also features a "Systematic Index of Families and Species" with notes on the characteristics of each family."

Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan

Compact Edition

Salim Ali and S. Dillon Ripley

Oxford University Press (India)

1983

A single, compact edition of the 10 volume Handbook. Includes many colour plates produced for this edition and much reduced text. This compact edition incorpoprated material from the first edition of the full Handbook and early volumes of the second edition.

Birds of India: Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh & Sri Lanka

Martin Woodcock

1980