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Sri Lanka

This page lists books about birds and birdwatching in Sri Lanka.

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


Asia

For bird books that cover all, or large parts, of Asia see:

- Asia books


Indian Ocean

For bird books that cover the Indian Ocean see:

- Indian Ocean books

 

A Photographic Field Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka

Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne

John Beaufoy Books

2017

"A fully comprehensive field guide to the 462 bird species of Sri Lanka. With photographs from the author and the region's other top-quality nature photographers, each species is illustrated, including variants where relevant. Photographic Field Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka is focussed on field use to help beginners and experts identify species. The main identifying features of each species are described and key facts cover size, habitat, distribution, voice and status in the country. Distribution maps provide an at-a-glance view of where the birds can be found. Photographic Field Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka also includes information on climate and topography, orders and families, residents, migrants, endemics, vagrants and highly scarce migrants, topography and the key birdwatching sites. The checklist provides complete information on the local status of each species."

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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

Introduction: Tim and Carol Inskipp

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.

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Birds of Sri Lanka

Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne, Deepal Warakagoda

Pocket Photo Guide

Bloomsbury Publishing

2016

Originally published in 2008 by New Holland as A Photographic Guide to Birds of Sri Lanka.

"A compact, easy-to-use bird identification guide for any nature watcher on a visit to Sri Lanka, a rich and satisfying destination for watching birds with more than 430 species identified on the island. A total of 252 species is described here in detail, from the Black-rumped Flameback to the Ceylon Blue Magpie. All of these birds are clearly illustrated in a collection of specially commissioned colour photographs. With almost 300 full-colour photographs, easy-to-use thumbnail family silhouettes, a regional distribution map and handy tips on the best birding localities. Illustrated with clear colour photography and brief but authoritative descriptions the Pocket Photo Guides highlight the species of birds and animals from each region that the traveller is most likely to see, as well as those that are genuinely endemic (only to be seen in that country or region) or special rarities."

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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

Introduction: Tim and Carol Inskipp

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.

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A Naturalist's Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka

Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne

John Beaufoy Books

2015

"This easy-to-use identification guide to the 280 bird species most commonly seen in Sri Lanka is perfect for resident and visitor alike.The author's top quality photographs are accompanied by detailed species descriptions, which include nomenclature, length, plumage, distribution, habits and habitat. The user-friendly introduction covers bird topography, bird orders, endemics and the main sites for viewing the listed species. Also included is an all-important checklist of all of the birds of Sri Lanka encompassing, for each species, its common and scientific names as well as its global status."

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

Norman Arlott

Collins

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."

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An Illustrated Field Guide to the Fauna of Sri Lanka, Volume IX: Birds

Rajika Gamage

2014

"This field guide aims to provide easy identification and give an idea on what to look for in observed habitats or regions. It covers 479 recorded species in Sri Lanka, almost the entirety of the bird fauna in the island. This includes 237 species of birds that are known to breed in Sri Lanka, of which 27 are endemic and 6 are proposed endemic. The remaining 242 species are migrants of which 124 species are encountered rarely and therefore considered as vagrants."

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A Selection of the Birds of Sri Lanka

John and Judy Banks

4th edition

Stamford Lake

2013

A guide with colour images and brief descriptions that covers 280 species.

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Wild Sri Lanka

Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne

John Beaufoy

2012

"Sri Lanka has one of the highest species densities in the world including a number of endemic plants and animals. Unusually for a moderately sized island it also has large mammals. It is one of the best places in the world for seeing and photographing Blue Whales, Sperm Whales, Leopards, Asian Elephants and Sloth Bears, dubbed Sri Lanka's 'Big Five'. It also has the largest annually recurring 'Gathering' of wild elephants of anywhere in the word; a truly spectacular event. This book brings together all of Sri Lanka's top wildlife stories, many of which have come to light only in the last few years. Further chapters detail wildlife watching opportunities for primates, birds, reptiles, turtles, butterflies and dragonflies; a description of the parks and reserves by habitat type; and a wildlife watching calendar to help plan a trip."

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Birds of Sri Lanka

Deepal Warakagoda, Carol Inskipp, Tim Inskipp, Richard Grimmett

Helm Field Guides

Christopher Helm

2012

"With a rich avifauna of more than 350 species that includes 29 endemics, the island of Sri Lanka is one of southern Asia's most popular birding destination. This new field guide provides full coverage of every species on the Sri Lanka list, including most vagrants, with particular emphasis placed on endemic species and races. Detailed text highlights key identification criteria, along with accurate colour maps. Packed with spectacular and detailed plates by leading bird artists such as Alan Harris, Tim Worfolk and John Cox, "Birds of Sri Lanka" is the definitive identification tool for the visiting birdwatcher and another majestic addition to the Helm Field Guides series."

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

Richard Grimmett, Carol Inskipp and Tim Inskipp

Princeton Field Guides

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."

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Birds of South Asia. The Ripley Guide

Volume 1: Field Guide

Volume 2: Attributes and Status

Pamela C. Rasmussen and John C. Anderton

Lynx Edicions

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."

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Pictorial Pocket Guide to the Common Birds of Sri Lanka

Sarath Kotagama

Field Ornithology Group Sri Lanka

2012

120 page guide to the commoner birds of Sri Lanka

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Horton Plains: Sri Lanka's Cloud-forest National Park

Rohan Pethiyagoda

Wildlife Heritage Trust Publications

2012

"With an average elevation of 2,100 metres, Horton Plains is Sri Lanka's loftiest national park. It is also part of the recently-declared UNESCO Central Highlands World Heritage Site. Bordered by Kirigalpotta and Totupolakanda, Sri Lanka's second and third-highest peaks, the Park offers unparalleled scenery and opportunities for trekking through a pristine tropical montane cloud forest. Despite its small size its unique landscape and attractions such as the World's End escarpment and Baker's Falls have made it Sri Lanka's most-visited national park. Horton Plains, however, offers more than just scenery. Its is a centre of remarkable biological richness and endemism even within Sri Lanka, which itself is part of a Global Biodiversity Hotspot. Dozens of plants and animals found here can be seen nowhere else. Although big-game abounds (night-time sightings of leopards are commonplace), what make the site special are its smaller, more subtle rarities both plant and animal. Embellished with almost 500 photographs and 100 specially commissioned drawings, this book is intended to help you identify all the animals and most of the plants you are likely to see in and around Horton Plains, and to find others that demand more effort or keener eyes. It is also intended to help readers understand the history of this remarkable plateau and the fragility of its ecosystem; and appreciate the urgent need for science-based conservation actions that alone can save it from the multitude of threats that confront it. The twelve authors each bring their own specialisations and years of experience in exploring aspects of the biodiversity of the plains, whether the ecology of its cloud frests, biodiversity, climate of history. Many of the plants and animals illustrated here had never been photographed before."

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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

Richard Grimmett, Carol Inskipp and Tim Inskipp

Helm Field Guides

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."

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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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Endemic Birds of Sri Lanka

W. Vincent Legge

Editor: S. D. Saparamadu

Tisara Prakasakayo

2011

Complete reprint with notes of work originally published in 1878.

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Birds of Prey of the Indian Subcontinent

Rishad Naoroji

Om Books International

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."

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Birds of Wilpattu National Park

C.D. Kaluthota & S.W. Kotagama

Field Ornithology Group Sri Lanka

2010

A 12 page fold-out leaflet that lists nearly 200 species and provides a small colour illustration of each one.

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Revised Avifaunal List Of Sri Lanka

C.D. Kaluthota & S.W. Kotagama

Field Ornithology Group Sri Lanka

2009

"Last taxonomic list of birds was published in 2006 as a part of National effort to document the fauna of Sri Lanka. However, due to recent advancement in researches in the region, taxonomy of birds undergone several changes. Since, FOGSL now adopts the standards devised by BirdLife international on the avian taxonomy, it was necessary to revise the Avifaunal list. Revised Avifaunal List Of Sri Lanka discusses the taxonomic changes in family level as well as species level changes. It also provides complete list of birds recorded from Sri Lanka including new additions in recent years."

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Birds of Sri Lanka

Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne

Vijitha Yapa Publications

2009

"Sri Lanka is one of the most bio diverse countries in the world. In terms of species diversity per unit area it ranks high for many group of animals. The birds are a good example with no less than 33 species of birds considered endemic to it. Another 55 species are restricted to mainland India and the Island. Sri Lanka has around 450 species of birds recorded when residents, migrants, vagrants and pelagics are taken in to account."

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A Photographic Guide to Birds of Sri Lanka

Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne, Deepal Warakagoda and T.S.U.De Zylva

New Holland

1st edition

2008

"More than 250 species are included in this useful and concise pocket-sized guide, with each individual species account supported by a clear colour photograph. Thumbnail silhouettes, visually identifying the different family groups, are shown on the guide pages; these lead the reader quickly to the relevant section of the book. The introduction explains how to use the guide effectively and also contains fascinating information on bird biology and behaviour. It also has sections on Sri Lankan endemics and where to watch birds. The text has been fully updated to take account of the latest taxonomy, and many recently 'split' species are included."

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

Salim Ali and Laeeq Futehally

Wisdom Tree

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."

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Sri Lankan Wildlife

Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne

Bradt Wildlife Guides

Bradt

2007

"Sri Lanka is home to elephants, leopards, bears and water buffalo and boasts one of the highest species densities of marine mammals in the world. An ideal field guide and armchair read, this book is illustrated with colour photographs of species and includes maps charting animal habitats to aid identification."

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Birds of Prey of the Indian Subcontinent

Rishad Naoroji

Christopher Helm

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."

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Pictorial Pocket Guide 1: Common, Endemic & Threatened Birds in Sri Lanka

Sarath Kotagama

Field Ornithology Group Sri Lanka

2006

"This book describes almost all common birds together with endemic andthreatened bird recorded in the island, which has one of the highest Avifaunal diversities. The pocket guide aims to provide a rapid, reliable and simple means to the identification of some birds in Sri Lanka."

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Birds of Sinharaja

Sarath Kotagama

Field Ornithology Group Sri Lanka

2006

"Sri Lanka’s bio-diversity is one of the richest in the Asian region. This book describes the all birds recorded, at the Sinharaja National Heritage Wilderness Area which has one of the highest Avifaunal diversities. The pocket guide aims to provide a rapid, reliable and simple means to the identification of birds in and around Sinharaja. This book is based on research work at Sinharaja since 1980. Initiated by March for Conservation and continued by Professor Sarath Kotagama and Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka."

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Bird Flocks of Sinharaja

Sarath Kotagama

Field Ornithology Group Sri Lanka

2006

"The 'Mixed Feeding Flocks' of Sinharaja National Heritage Wilderness Area is the worlds’ most extensively research flock with over 400 data sets since 1981. This research work at Sinharaja was initiated by March for Conservation and continued by Prof. Sarath Kotagama and Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka. Contributing to this study was late P. B. Karunaratne, and Dr. Eben Goodale. The study has enabled the publication of numerous research papers and the doctoral thesis of Eben Goodale. It has thus brought fame to Sinharaja in terms of avifaunal studies."

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

Amano Samarpan

Wisdom Tree

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."

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Birds of South Asia. The Ripley Guide

Volume 1: Field Guide

Volume 2: Attributes and Status

Pamela C. Rasmussen and John C. Anderton

Lynx Edicions

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.

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Birds of Southern India

Richard Grimmett and Tim Inskipp

Helm Field Guides

Christopher Helm

2005

"This guide is a successor to the much acclaimed Birds of the Indian Subcontinent by the same authors. Covering southern India, the superb plates are accompanied by a succinct text highlighting identification, voice, habitat, altitudinal range, distribution and status. The text is on facing pages to the plates, for easy reference. Like previous guides covering Bhutan, Northern India and Nepal, this guide is a perfect size for use in the field and will be an essential companion when visiting this region."

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

Bikram Grewal, Bill Harvey and Otto Pfister

Princeton University Press

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."

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

Bikram Grewal, Bill Harvey and Otto Pfister

Christopher Helm

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."

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The Black Shaheen Falcon its Morphology, Geographic Variation and the History and Ecology of the Sri Lanka Population

Hermann Dottlinger

2002

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A Checklist of the Birds of Sri Lanka

Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne, Deepal Warakagoda and Lester Perera

Sri Lanka Natural History Society

2001

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Field Guide to the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent

Krys Kazmierczak

Illustrations: Ber van Perlo

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."

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Pearls to Painting: A Naturalist in Ceylon: The Memoirs of George Morrison Reid Henry

George Morrison Reid Henry

Editor: Christine Jackson

Foreword: Bruce Henry

Wildlife Heritage Trust

2000

"The ornithologist and entomologist GM Henry (1891 - 1983) provided the illustrations for several ornithological works, including the Guide to the Birds of Ceylon (1955). Pearls to Painting is a compilation of extracts from his extensive memoirs. It contains the "Ceylon years" of Henry's autobiography, a narrative that describes not only the life and times of one of Sri Lanka's best-known naturalists, but also paints a vivid picture of life in colonial Ceylon in the first half of the 20th century."

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

Richard Grimmett, Carol Inskipp and Tim Inskipp

Princeton Field Guides

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."

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Pocket Guide to the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent

Richard Grimmett, Carol Inskipp and Tim Inskipp

Christopher Helm

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."

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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 the Indian Subcontinent

Richard Grimmett, Carol Inskipp and Tim Inskipp

Helm Identification Guides

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."

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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

Illustrations: Clive Byers, Daniel Cole, John Cox, Gerald Driessens, Carl D'Silva, Martin Elliott, Kim Franklin, Alan Harris, Peter Hayman, Craig Robson, Jan Wilczur, and Tim Worfolk

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."

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A Pictorial Guide to Birds of the Indian Subcontinent

Salim Ali and S. Dillon Ripley

Illustrations: John Henry Dick

Bombay Natural History Society

Second edition

1996

An edition with revised text.

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Field Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka

Sarath Kotagama and Prithiviraj Fernando

Wildlife Heritage Trust

1994

A 224 page field guide covering 430 species with 32 colour plates.

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A Selection of the Birds of Sri Lanka

John and Judy Banks

2nd edition

Lake House Investments

1990

A 38 page guide that covers a selection of Sri Lankan species.

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Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan

Compact Edition

Salim Ali and S. Dillon Ripley

Illustrations: John Henry Dick

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.

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A Pictorial Guide to Birds of the Indian Subcontinent

Salim Ali and S. Dillon Ripley

Illustrations: John Henry Dick

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."

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Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan

Compact Edition

Salim Ali and S. Dillon Ripley

Illustrations: John Henry Dick

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.

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

Martin Woodcock

Collins

1980

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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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A Picture Book Of Ceylon Birds

G.M. Henry

Deptartment of Information, Ceylon

1953

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The Game-Birds Of India, Burma And Ceylon

E.C. Stuart Baker

Volume 1 illustrations: H. Grönvold, G. E. Lodge, and J. G. Keulemans

Volume 2 illustrations: H. Grönvold

Bombay Natural History Society

1921

Volume 1: Ducks and their allies

Volume 2: Snipe, Bustards, Sand-grouse

Volume 3: Pheasants and bustard-quail

From the introduction: "In 1896 and the following years I wrote a series of articles on " Indian Ducks and their Allies " in the Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society. In 1908 these articles were brought up to date, corrected and added to and appeared in book form, and so well was this volume received by the public, especially by sportsmen in India, that the edition was soon exhausted. The first edition appeared principally to meet a want which had long been felt by Small-Game shooters in India. that is to say a volume, reference to which would not only show how each duck could be identified, but would also give some idea of its habits and its scarcity or the reverse. Hume and Marshall's " Game Birds of India," which was published in 1879-80, grand book as it was and is, was felt to be behind the times, and much had since been recorded in various magazines and journals. But these records were scattered here, there and everywhere, and could not be consulted without the greatest difficulty, and it was, indeed, quite impossible for anyone who had not access to a very complete library to say what had, and what had not, been recorded. The first edition may be said not only to have served its purpose for the time being, but it served yet another and perhaps even more important one, for since its appearance a very large amount of information has been published to add to and correct its contents. This second edition incorporates these additions and corrections, and adds a considerable amount of matter not obtainable by me when writing in India. Several species have been added to the Indian list, and the geographical distribution of certain others has been more correctly given."

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The Avifauna of the Island of Ceylon

J.A. Murray

Educational Society Press

1890

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The Fauna Of British India including Ceylon and Burma

Birds: Volumes 1 to 4

W.T. Blanford, Eugene W. Oates

Taylor & Francis, London

1889-1898

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A History Of The Birds Of Ceylon

W. Vincent Legge

Plates: J.G. Keulemans and others

Privately printed

1879-1880

A 3 volume work.

From the preface: "Of late years Ornithology has made more rapid strides than perhaps any other branch of zoological research. In Oriental regions more particularly many naturalists have, within the last quarter of a century, prosecuted their studies with the greatest vigour ; enormous collections have been made, entirely new regions explored, and their avifauna investigated with all that energy which collectors of the 19th century bring to bear on their work and doings in the forests of the tropics. The pens of Blyth, Jerdon, Wallace, the Marquis of Tweeddale, Swinhoe, Pere David, and Allan Hume have brought our knowledge of the avifauna of India and the countries to the eastward of it to a high degree of perfection. At the time of the author's arrival in Ceylon much had been done by Layard, and the results of his labours were being largely added to by the researches of Mr. Holdsworth; but nevertheless, up to that period, no complete treatise on the birds of the island had been written. As a rising British colony, with fast developing resources and wealth, an increasing European community, and an educated element in the native population, the production of a book on its avifauna which should take a place in the series of zoological works which are invariably the outcome of civilization seemed to the author a positive necessity."

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The Game Birds Of India, Burmah and Ceylon

Allan Hume and C.T. Marshall

1879

A 3 volume work.

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Sketches of the Natural History of Ceylon

J Emerson Tennent

1861

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Last updated August 2017