Our Opinion: Richard Grimmett and Carol and Tim Inskipp recruited native Sri Lankan Deepal Warakagoda to focus their Field Guide to the Birds of India in on the island nation of Sri Lanka. It seems to have worked, as this is a very nicely organized and well executed field guide. It is small and lightweight, covering about 450 species, with color plates opposite text and multi-color distribution maps.

The introductory material is very helpful, beginning with the basics: Taxonomy and nomenclature, Species Accounts, Plumage Terminology, and Glossary. This is followed by an introduction to the geographical setting, including climate, distribution and habitats, bird diversity, and migration, as well as Important Birds, with details and a checklist of endemic species and subspecies, threatened species, and restricted range species, and conservation and threats. It also includes a 19-page section on the best birding areas. The species accounts are preceded by brief family summaries. An appendix of Vagrants to Sri Lanka includes English and scientific names, size, description, voice, habitat, and a color illustration. The book is rounded out with a list of organizations with contact information, references, bibliography, and an index of English and scientific names.

ISBN: 9780713688535

Publisher: Christopher Helm

Year of Publication: 2012

Page Count: 224

Weight: 1 lb

Series: Helm Field Guides