Despite its rich avifauna and popularity with tourists, Japan has long been lacking a good English-language field guide. This new photographic guide is the first book to cover the Japanese avifauna in English for over 25 years, and the first photographic guide to the country in English. It also includes the birds of neighboring mainland regions of eastern Asia, namely Korea, northeast China and eastern Siberia.

Almost 600 species are illustrated with over 1,500 color photographs. Each species is illustrated by anywhere from one to three photographs. The text succinctly describes the key identification features and each species has a distribution map. The text includes a detailed description and includes information on voice, range, status in Japan, and comparisons of similar species which may be confused.

The introduction includes information on the local avian habitats, including alpine areas, coastal waters, tidal flats, mixed and evergreen forests, wetlands, cultivated fields, and urban areas; sections on migration, conservation, where to see birds in north-east Asia and photographing birds. Appendices include a glossary of English and Japanese names as well as lists of rarer vagrants.

This guide's convenient size and quality photography means that it will be an essential companion for anyone visiting Japan or eastern Asia.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tadao Shimba is an internationally respected birder and natural history photographer. He has recorded many rare birds and frequently contributes photographs and birding accounts to field guides and magazines. He lives in Battle Creek, MI.

SAMPLE PAGES:

How to order