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Oxford University Press field guides and handbooks. The books in this section are ordered by publication date with the most recent publications at the top of the page.


OUP pages on the site

Bird Families Of The World

Birds of the Western Palearctic

Handbook of Australian, New Zealand, and Antarctic Birds

Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan

Other field guides and h/books

Oxford Ornithology Series

Avian Biology Series

Threatened Birds (India)

Images of Asia (Birds)

Ecology & Evolution Series

Biology of Habitats Series

Techniques in Ecology & Conservation

Other bird related books


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The Birds of Rajasthan

The Birds of Rajasthan

Oxford University Press

2014

"The author of The Birds Of Rajasthan has enlisted the support of some of the best amateur bird photographers and field ornithologists from Rajasthan, and the rest of the country. The final product is a premium quality book that not only covers the common birds found in the state but also includes rare stragglers which have been reported in the last 50 years. The book will be helpful to ornithologists, amateur birdwatchers, bird photographers, students, and tourists equally."

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A Field Guide to the Birds of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore

Allen Jeyarajasingam

Illustrations: Alan Pearson

Oxford University Press

2012

"This new edition is the most comprehensive field guide to the birds of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, covering all 673 species known to occur in the region. The birds are illustrated in a series of 74 stunning full-colour plates, painted for this book by Alan Pearson, an artist with considerable first-hand experience of the region. The plates illustrate the various plumage variations for each bird, and show the birds perched and also in flight, where relevant to their identification. The text, written and revised by Allen Jeyarajasingam, is accessible to experienced ornithologists and beginners alike, and highlights the important identification features such as plumage variations, size, calls and songs, range, distribution, and status for every species. Introductory sections describe the region and highlight some of the best sites for watching the abundant avifauna. The beautiful, precise plates and clearly-written text make this book a must-have for all birdwatchers travelling to the region."

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A Field Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka

John Harrison

Illustrations: Tim Worfolk

Oxford University Press

2011

"A Field Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka is the first fully comprehensive, modern field guide to this ornithologically fascinating country. All of Sri Lanka's official avian species are described in the text and depicted in a collection of stunning colour plates painted by Tim Worfolk, one of Britain's leading bird artists. The text, accessible to experienced ornithologists and beginners alike, highlights the important identification features such as plumage variations, size, calls and songs, range, distribution, and status for every species. The plates illustrate the various plumage variations for each bird, and show the birds perched and also in flight, where relevant to their identification. An introduction to the guide describes briefly some of the best sites for watching Sri Lanka's abundant avifauna, and provides useful contact addresses for the prospective traveller. This will be an essential purchase for all birdwatchers travelling to the region; the beautiful plates and clearly-written text will also make it a must-have for anyone who loves birds, and Sri Lankan birds in particular."

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Birds of the Indian Subcontinent: A Field Guide

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

Illustrations: John Henry Dick

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."

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A Field Guide to the Birds of Brazil

Ber Van Perlo

Oxford University Press

2009

"Brazil's bird diversity is one of the richest in the world. And yet there has never been a comprehensive field guide to this splendid and elusive avifauna. Until now. The carefully vetted text and images are the first to cover the full range of bird life in this vast and varied country. The more than 1800 up-to-date accounts treat the Yellow-nosed Albatross to the Sombre Hummingbird, the Ash-throated Gnat-eater to the Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Nighthawks and Jacamars to Motmots, Puffbirds, and Peppershrikes. They are all here - every species and many subspecies found in each region of Brazil - with special attention given to the 218 Brazilian endemics. The book is laid out so that the illustrations sit across from the commentary and the distribution maps, so it is easy to use. Also, the author uses short-hand notation throughout, to make the book compact and easy to carry when in the field. For each bird, the scientific, English, and Portuguese name are given as well as detailed information on measurement; identifying features; habitat; voice, song, and call. Distribution maps show the range for each species, also indicating seasonality and occurrence, essential for finding and identifying specific birds. From the equatorial North to the tropics, the introductory paragraphs set the stage in describing Brazil's varied biogeography, climate, geomorphology, and natural vegetation. A list of protected areas of Brazil, information on relevant national and international organizations, a bibliography and further references, and an English-Portuguese dictionary of frequently used terms enhance the user-friendly qualities. Anyone wishing to fully explore the fabulously varied bird life of Brazil will find this light-weight, easy-to-use, attractive guide an invaluable field companion."

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Birds of Western Ghats, Kokan and Malabar (Including Birds of Goa)

Satish Pande, Saleef Tambe, Clement Francis and Niranjan Sant

Oxford University Press

2004

"The Western Ghats of India, identified as a World Biodiversity hotspot by Birdlife International, is an ecological zone of global importance, and supports a variety of habitats. The birdlife of this vulnerable hotspot of biodiversity has been comprehensively detailed in this work."

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Birds and Mammals of Ladakh

Otto Pfister

Oxford University Press

2004

"This is the first comprehensive field-guide on ornithology and mammal life in the Ladakh region; provides authoritative information on 276 bird species and 30 larger mammal species found in the region, including their local names, alternative names, habitat, behaviour, status, and distribution; supplements the results of author's own investigations with historical records of the first expeditions into the region in the mid-eighteenth century; makes practical suggestions on how to conserve the fragile ecosystem of this region and enjoy its beauty without destroying it; includes nearly 450 fine colour plates; and an indispensable companion to researchers, scientists, bird-watchers, and nature lovers."

Contents: Acknowledgements; Introduction; How to Use this Book; Regions and Ecosystems; Section I: Birds - Galliformes/ Geese and Ducks/Woodpeckers, Rollers, Kingfishers, and Bee-eaters/ Cuckoos and Swifts/ Owls, Nightjars, and Pigeons/ Cranes, Crakes, and Waders/ Pratincoles, Gulls, and Terns/ Raptors/Grebes, Egrets, and Storks/Shrikes and Corvids/Thrushes, Flycatchers, Redstarts, and Wheatears/Starlings, Creepers, Tits, and Swallos/Warblers/Larks, Wagtails, and Finches; Section II: Mammals - Carnivores/Ungulates/Rodents/Lagomorphs; Section III: Photos; Section IV: Glossary/Further Reading/Useful Addresses/Checklist of Birds and Mammals in Ladakh/Index."

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Hand Guide to the Birds of New Zealand

Hugh A. Robertson & Barrie Heather

Oxford University Press

2001

"This guide is an updated version of part of the earlier publication The Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand. This new guide is a pocket size identification guide with colour plates and distribution maps.

Contents: Introduction; Where to see birds in New Zealand; Glossary; Standard References; Species accounts, plates and maps; Index."

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A Guide to the Birds of China

John MacKinnon, Karen Phillipps & Fen-Qi He

Illustrations: Karen Phillipps and Dave Showler

Oxford University Press

2000

"This comprehensive field guide to the birds of China covers over 1300 bird species. Includes 128 original colour paintings. The species accounts stress the key points for field recognition and give a full description of the plumage, voice, range, distribution, status, and behavioural characteristics for every bird, with additional descriptions provided for hundreds of subspecies. Colour distribution maps are provided for all illustrated species."

Contents: Introduction to Region; History of Ornithology in China; Avian Biogeography of Region; Conservation; Field Techniques for Birdwatching; Anatomy and Plumage of a Bird; Glossary of terms used; Species Descriptions; Appendices: 1. Limited Distribution Birds of Endemic Bird Areas; 2. Lists of Threatened and Endangered Species of China; 3. List of Birds of North Arunachel Pradesh not Described in Book; 4. List of Birds expected on Spratly Islands not Described in Book; 5. List of Clubs and Journals for the area; 6. Chinese Names; Bibliography.

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A Guide to the Birds of the Philippines

Robert S. Kennedy, Pedro C. Gonzales, Edward C. Dickinson, Hector C. Miranda, Jr. & Timothy H. Fisher

Oxford University Press

2000

"This guide covers all 572 species of birds known to occur within the 7100 islands that make up the Philippines. The Philippine avifauna includes some 170 endemics - species that are not found anywhere else in the world - and is thus of interest to avid birders around the world. Many of these species are also endangered, due to the high levels of habitat destruction in the Philippine forest, and this book is also urgently needed by conservation workers in the region. The guide is illustrated by 72 specially painted colour plates that show all but the three most recently described species. Its text gives detailed information about the plumage, voice, range, distribution, status, habitat, life history and behaviour of the birds and is accompanied by distribution maps for all the species described."

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A Field Guide to the Raptors of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa

William S. Clark

Illustrator: N. John Schmidt

Oxford University Press

1999

"In this comprehensive new identification guide, Bill Clark presents the latest information on tried and tested field marks for identifying the diurnal raptors, both perched and in flight. Many of these field marks are the result of his own extensive experience in identifying raptors, and have never before been published. Forty-eight stunning colour plates, especially painted for this volume by artist N. John Schmitt, depict all the plumages for every raptor found in the Western Palearctic region, both regularly occurring and vagrant. The plates are augmented by a forty-page colour photograph section. The accompanying text provides the essential clues to identification. These include detailed plumage descriptions for each age, sex, and colour morph, as well as sections describing flight, moult, behaviour, and distribution for every species. The text also contains useful sections on similar species - notoriously difficult to identify - and how to distinguish them. Each account concludes with the range of measurements for length, wing span, and weight."

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A Field Guide to the Birds of West Malaysia and Singapore

Allen Jeyarajasingam and Alan Pearson

Oxford University Press

1999

"This field guide describes 640 species of birds known to occur or to have occurred in West Malaysia and in Singapore. Each species is illustrated in the 72 stunning full-colour plates which include plumage variations. The text includes information on calls and song, range, distribution, habitat, status, and behaviour. Introductory chapters provide information on migration, breeding, and conservation. A section on birdwatching in the region includes information on key birdwatching sites, and what to look for there."

Contents: Anatomy and plumage of a bird; Glossary and abbreviations; Background; Introduction to West Malaysia and Singapore; Conservation; Avifauna; Migration; Breeding; Birdwatching in West Malaysia and Singapore; Family and species descriptions; Appendix 1: Table of nightbird calls; Appendix 2: Table of barbet calls; Appendix 3: Hills, peaks, hill stations, and passes cited in book; Appendix 4: Islets and islands cited in book; Appendix 5: Globally endangered and potentially endangered birds occuring in West Malaysia and Singapore; Appendix 6: Conservation bodies, ornithological clubs, publications, and museums.

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A Field Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka

John Harrison

Illustrations: Tim Worfolk

Oxford University Press

1999

"A field guide to the birds of Sri Lanka. Describes 426 species. Includes 48 colour plates painted by Tim Worfolk which show plumage variations. The text includes information on plumage variations, size, calls and songs, range, distribution, and status, for every species."

Contents: Area covered; Geography; Climate; Vegetation; Areas of wildlife interest; Notes on the guide; Glossary; Topography of a bird; Species accounts.

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A Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka

G.M. Henry

Revised edition: Thilo W. Hoffmann, Deepal Warakagoda and Upali Bkanayake

Oxford University Press

3rd edition

1998

A 532 page guide with 44 species added for the 3rd edition.

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Birds of Prey of Australia: Field Guide to Australian Raptors

Stephen Debus

OUP Australia and New Zealand

1998

"This comprehensive, illustrated field guide to the birds of prey of Australia highlights the unique or special Australian species, and what can be done to help those at risk. This book is intended for professional and amateur ornithologists; naturalists; bush-walkers; conservationists; tourists."

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The Birds of Peninsular Malaysia

Derek Holmes and Karen Phillipps

Images Of Asia Series

Oxford University Press

1998

"Introduces the reader to the most typical, representative and colourful birds of the Malay peninsula, an area extending from southern Thailand to Singapore. Simple, non-technical descriptions of some 150 species, including their distinguishing features and behaviour, voices and habitats, together with illustrations will assist readers in identifying the most readily sighted species on the peninsula."

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A Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand

Barrie Heather, Hugh A. Robertson

Illustrator: Derek J. Onley

Oxford University Press

1997

"This guide to the birds of New Zealand aims to help the user to identify wild birds seen anywhere in the New Zealand region, and also provides the reader with a brief and informative summary of what is known about each species. The first section of the book is an identification guide; on the page opposite the colour plate is a distribution map for those species breeding in New Zealand, which shows plumage and behavioural details that should help identify the species, sex and/or age of the bird you see in the field. The distribution maps show where species breeding in New Zealand may be found in suitable habitat. Maps for vagrants, stragglers and non-native seabirds, and for migratory waders (which can turn up in any estuary around the coast) are given in the second part of the book which gives more details on the distribution and ecology of each species."

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The Birds of Sulawesi

Derek Holmes and Karen Phillipps

Images Of Asia Series

Oxford University Press

1996

"The birds of Sulawesi, Indonesia, are unique. Nearly 100 species are found nowhere else in the world - this high rate of endemism serves as a magnet for bird watchers world wide. This book is the first illustrated bird book for Sulawesi and it provides an introduction to the remarkable wealth of birds. Of the 278 species found there, 161 species are described, with brief reference to another 88. 142 species are illustrated in colour, 22 in black-and-white. Written in non-technical prose, distinguishing features, behaviour, voice, and habitat are covered. A complete checklist is included."

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A Guide to the Birds of Mexico and Northern Central America

Steve N.G. Howell & Sophie Webb

Oxford University Press

1995

"A field guide to the 1,070 bird species, including North American migrants, found in Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, and western Nicaragua. More than 180 species are endemic to this region. The book details appearance, voice, habitat, behaviour (including nests and eggs) and distribution. Range maps are included with species accounts, and introductory essays give essential background information, with special appendices summarizing useful information on the avifaunas of various offshore Pacific and Caribbean islands. Includes 71 colour plates and 39 black-and-white drawings."

Contents: Area covered; Geography and bird distribution; Climate and habitat; Migration; History of ornithology in Mexico; Conservation; Birding in Mexico and northern Central America; Using this book; Taxonomy; Molt and plumage; Outline of the species accounts; Family and Species Accounts; Appendices on extinct species, hypothetical occurrence, birds of Pacific Islands and Caribbean Islands, and additional species of eastern Honduras; Bibliography.

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The Birds of South America, Volume 2, The Suboscine Passerines

Robert S. Ridgely & Guy Tudor

Oxford University Press

1994

"With the publication of Volume 2: The Suboscine Passerines, The Birds of South America now covers all the true songbirds of this exotic region. Following the same format as the first volume, on the oscine passerines, Volume 2 encompasses more than one-thousand species, from ovenbirds and woodcreepers to cotingas. Fifty-two new colour plates by Guy Tudor illustrate most of the species, while the text provides extensive information on habitats, ranges, habits, and voices. The distribution maps, based on published sources and recent observations, have been especially prepared for this volume. Most importantly, the authors combine review and analysis with extensive field observations to give an unparalleled portrait of South American birds and a landmark publication in neotropical ornithology."

Contents: Plan of the book; Migration; Conservation; The Plates; Species accounts; Bibliography.

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The Birds Of Singapore

Clive Briffett and Sutari Bin Supari

Images Of Asia Series

Oxford University Press

1994

"This colorful book introduces nearly 200 species of resident and migratory birds that have been recorded in the country of Singapore. A short account describes each bird's distinguishing features, habits and habitats, distinctive calls, and viewing tips. The book emphasizes the importance of conservation for preserving bird populations and gives important information on the abundance and status of the different species. Easy to understand and use, the guide will interest professional ornithologists as well as amateur bird watchers."

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A Field Guide to the Birds of Borneo, Sumatra, Java and Bali

John MacKinnon in collaboration with Paul Andrew & Frank Rozendaal

Illustrations: Karen Phillips

Oxford University Press

1993

"An identification guide to the birds of this region which includes descriptions and colour illustrations of all 820 species. Information is provided on where to look for endemic and insular forms and on major birding localities."

Contents: Introduction to the region; Biogeography; Conservation; Field techniques for birdwatching; When and where to see birds; Family and Species Descriptions; Appendices; Land birds found on offshore island groups; Bornean montane birds by mountain group; Endemic and endangered species in main reserves; Endangered and threatened species by island; Annotated list of birds of the Malay Peninsula not described in the text; Sonosketches of characteristic bird calls; Regional ornithological clubs, journals, and museums; Bibliography.

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The Birds of Pakistan, Volume 2: Passeriformes

T.J. Roberts

Oxford University Press

1991

"This work concludes noted ornithologist Tom Roberts' magnificent survey of the birds of Pakistan. Together with Volume 1, the work covers 660 species, offering detailed descriptions of each, supported by 47 full-page plates and over 100 black and white illustrations drawn by the author. Distribution maps of over 570 species detail wintering or breeding status, and voice descriptions are drawn from the author's own extensive collection of bird recordings made in Pakistan during his 34 years of residence in that country. Each volume contains a bibliography and index.

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The Birds of Pakistan, Volume 1: Regional Studies and Non-passeriformes

T.J. Roberts

Oxford University Press

1991

"The first volume contains much regional background information about zoogeographic influences upon bird distribution in the region, describes the main ecological zones, and has chapters on the contribution of early ornithologists and interaction between birds and man. Each volume contains a bibliography and index. The set is supported by 47 full-color plates and over 100 black and white illustrations, all drawn by the author."

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The Birds of Egypt

Steven M. Goodman & Peter L. Meininger

Illustrations: Sherif M. Baha el Din & Edward Khounganian

Oxford University Press

1989

This work describes the species found in the area, both resident and migratory and provides details of their occurrence, distribution and breeding patterns. The subject is set in its historical context and the long history of Egyptian ornithology, which stretches back to the Predynastic Period (4500-3000 BC), is outlined. The changes in the environment and their effects on the avifauna are considered, together with the effects of hunting and of conservation and protection.

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The Birds of South America, Volume 1, The Oscine Passerines

Robert S. Ridgely & Guy Tudor

Oxford University Press

1989

"This volume, first in a series of four, outlines the habitat, range, habits and voices of the songbirds in South America. It starts from a museum approach and then examines specimens of each subspecies, comparing them visually. This is the first time that the birds of South America have been described in a single, published source. At a time when rapid development is devastating millions of acres of tropical habitat in South America, a record of this endangered resource becomes crucial."

Contents: Plan of the book; Habitats; Biogeography; Migration; Conservation; The Plates; Species Accounts; Appendix: Casual migrants from North America; Bibliography; Index to English names; Index to Genera and Species.

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A Compact Handbook Of The Birds Of India And Pakistan: Together With Those Of Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan And Sri Lanka

Salim Ali and S. Dillon Ripley

Oxford University Press

1987

A concise handbook based on the 10 volume handbook."

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A Field Guide to the Warblers of Britain and Europe

Alick Moore and Bryon Wright

Oxford University Press

1984

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A Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka

G.M. Henry

Oxford University Press

2nd edition

1971

A 500 page guide.

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A Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka

G.M. Henry

Oxford University Press

1955

A 432 page guide with 27 colour plates.

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Last updated December 2014