The following two books are new arrivals covering the birds of Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion, Rodrigues, Seychelles and the Comoros. The following reviews compare their coverage and quality.

Birds of the Indian Ocean Islands: Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion, Rodrigues, Seychelles and the Comoros.

Written by Ian Sinclair and Olivier Langrand.

Covers 359 species.

Published by Struik, new edition, 2003

Paperback - $9.95

This guide presents all the birds of Madagascar and the other Indian Ocean islands, many of which are endemic to these islands.

In field guide form, this text presents concise descriptions of each species, highlighting diagnostic features for ease of identification. Differences between sexes and plumages are discussed as well as the status of the bird, its habitat and call.

This guide is illustrated with 172 color plates by the well-known artists Norman Arlott, Hilary Burn, Peter Hayman and Ian Lewington. Distribution maps accompany each entry. The birds are illustrated in full color and where necessary are depicted in all plumages relevant to identification (male, female, and immature). In-flight illustrations present the bird from above and below, providing comprehensive coverage of the birds in the field.

A Photographic Guide to the Birds of the Indian Ocean Islands: Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Reunion, and the Comoros.

Written by Ian Sinclair, Olivier Langrand and Fanja Andriamialisoa.

Covers 128 species.

Published by Struik, 2006

Paperback - $12.95

This photographic guide depicts a selection of the most commonly encountered and striking bird species of Madagascar, the Seychelles, the Comoros, and the Mascarenes - a region boasting high levels of endemism. The species accounts cover the birds' appearance, basic behavior, preferred habitats, and geographical distribution. Each species account enjoys a full page, which features a color photogaph, distribution map, and text in English and French.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Ian Sinclair is renowned in African birding circles for his field knowledge and expertise in identifying the region’s many bird species. His vast experience has been gained in expeditions to every corner of Africa, as well as to the Himalayas, Antarctica and Marion Island. He has authored or co-authored several successful bird books, including the hugely successful Field Guide to Birds of SA and the equally successful Birds of Southern Africa.

Olivier Langrand spent 14 years in Madagascar, working in nature conservation. He is now based in Washington DC, working for Conservation International as Senior Vice President: Africa and Madagascar Programme.

Fanja Andriamialisoa, originally from Madagascar, is a naturalist who travelled extensively in her own country before establishing herself in the United States. She is an experienced editor and translator of scientific documents.

How to order