The Naturalist's Guide to the Birds of India: Including Pakistan, Nepal and Bhutan

This small, pocket-sized book is a photographic guide to the birds of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. In terms of providing the travelling birder with a definitive guide, able to support those looking to add to their world list, the book does not measure up to either of the field guides to the region produced by Collins or Helm, the latter being my preference. It does, however, provide the travelling birdwatcher with a much slimmer volume and so could be suited to someone travelling in the region on business.

The photographs are of a good standard throughout and the text, which provides a description plus information on distribution, habitat and diet, is accessible, though again not of the depth a more serious birder would require.

Book reviewed by Mike Toms