The Birds of the Iberian Peninsula

As the title suggests this volume is dedicated to Iberian avifauna up to 2013. It appears more than a decade after Aves Ibericas vol I and II, its predecessor, which was published only in Spanish. This is the first time such a comprehensive publication, covering the whole of Iberia, has been written in English. The book covers Spain, Portugal, Andorra, Gibraltar and the islands surrounding the peninsula, including the Balearics.

Both authors are experienced. Ernest García is a well-known ornithologist both in the UK and Iberia, having written several birdwatching books and is currently an assistant editor of Ardeola (Spanish ornithological journal). Eduardo de Juana is a prominent figure in Spanish ornithology. He has dedicated his life to the study and conservation of birds and was an inspiring zoology professor at Complutense University of Madrid until 2013.

The book is organised in two parts. The first part is a recommended read for anyone interested in birding in the region. It includes an excellent introduction to the history of ornithology, followed by a geographical description of the territories and its diverse habitats. It closes with a review of its birds, treated here by breeding, wintering and migration, including a description of the migration pattern across the Gibraltar Straight.

The second part and largest section of the book has species accounts of all the naturally occurring species in the peninsula and surrounding islands (including exotics and rarities). For each species, there is graph with records shown by month, some simple distribution maps, and a review of relevant literature.

This is an overdue update of the previous publication of its kind. It will be of interest to any regular visitor to sunny Iberia, or for anyone who wants to expand their knowledge about the birds in Spain and Portugal. However, don't expect beautiful photographs – it is more a source of detailed information produced by two of Spain’s most respected birders.

Book reviewed by Diana De Palacio