china and asia

A compact, easy-to-use bird identification guide for any nature watcher on a visit to China, one of the world’s top destinations for watching birds. A total of 252 species is described here in detail, from the magestic Black-crowned Night Heron to the striking Large Niltava. All of these birds are clearly illustrated in a collection of specially commissioned colour photographs. With almost 300 full-colour photographs, easy-to-use thumbnail family silhouettes, a regional distribution map and handy tips on the best birding localities.

Illustrated with clear colour photography and brief but authoritative descriptions the Pocket Photo Guides highlight the species of birds and animals from each region that the traveller is most likely to see, as well as those that are genuinely endemic (only to be seen in that country or region) or special rarities. The genuine pocket size allow the books to be carried around on trips and excursions and will take up minimal rucksack and suitcase space.

Mongolia is a huge landlocked country in the centre of Asia. It encompasses a diverse range of habitats including forests, vast treeless plains, the Altai Mountains and of course the Gobi Desert, and it is becoming an increasingly popular destination for birders. For dozens of steppe species and many others, Mongolia really is the place to go.  This new field guide provides full details of every species to be found in the country. Birds of Mongolia, written by Chris Leahy and Gomboo, Mongolia’s most famous ornithologist, follows traditional field guide design with plates arranged opposite the text.  Detailed maps – a mapping feat never before attempted for Mongolia – accompany the species entries.  Birds of Mongolia is an indispensible guide to the country’s avifauna; no visiting naturalist can be without it.

Vietnam, home to rare secretive pheasants, jewel-like pittas, spectacular laughingthrushes and enigmatic babblers, is Asia’s most exciting new birding destination. A global biodiversity hotspot, Vietnam boasts 19 endemic species and subspecies groups, and another 27 near-endemic species, the largest number of any country in mainland South-East Asia.

This book, the first comprehensive modern field guide dedicated to Vietnam’s rich and diverse avifauna, describes all 916 species in text, illustrations and distribution maps.

– Taxonomy follows the Handbook of the Birds of the World and BirdLife International Illustrated Checklist of the Birds of the World.
– Detailed texts covering status, habitat and behaviour, age, sex and geographical variation, voice, and confusion species.
– Over 1900 illustrations covering all species and distinctive subspecies, birds in flight, males and females, juveniles and non-breeding plumages, where appropriate.
– QR code for each species, linking to the Internet Bird Collection gallery of photos, videos and sounds.
– More than 870 full-colour range maps for all species other than vagrants.
– Well-marked subspecies groups receive full accounts, and the distributions of subspecies breeding in the region are clearly mapped.
– Local species name included.

Also available in flexicover (stock id 18119)

Thailand is one of Asia’s leading tourist destinations and a treasure trove for anyone interested in wildlife. This little guide to the birds of Thailand is an excellent introduction for birdwatchers, residents and visitors to the country alike. It covers 252 of the birds that are regularly seen in Thailand as well as a number of endemic species. Each photograph is accompanied by clear text explaining key identification points, voice, habitat and behaviour. Illustrated with clear colour photography and brief but authoritative descriptions the Pocket Photo Guides highlight the species of birds and animals from each region that the traveller is most likely to see, as well as those that are endemic or special rarities. The genuine pocket size allow the books to be carried around on trips and excursions and will take up minimal rucksack and suitcase space.