The Book of Indian Birds

by Sálim Ali

For over 50 years The Book of Indian Birds has been a close companion of both amateur bird-watching enthusiasts and seasoned ornithologists in India. This much-awaited new edition covers 538 species and includes the extensive changes in the scientific and common bird names that have taken
place since the last revision in 1996, providing uniformity and allowing birdwatchers to communicate more easily with one another while exchanging their observations. Extensively illustrated, the book remains an indispensable field guide for everyone who wishes to enjoy the rich and varied bird
life of India.

Genres: Birds, Reference, Nonfiction, India, Nature, Wildlife, Science

466 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1941

About the author

Sálim Moizuddin Abdul Ali (12 November 1896 – 20 June 1987) was an Indian ornithologist and naturalist. Sometimes referred to as the "birdman of India", Salim Ali was among the first Indians to conduct systematic bird surveys across India and wrote several bird books that popularised ornithology in India. He became a key figure behind the Bombay Natural History Society after 1947 and used his personal influence to garner government support for the organisation, create the Bharatpur bird sanctuary (Keoladeo National Park) and prevent the destruction of what is now the Silent Valley National Park. Along with Sidney Dillon Ripley he wrote the landmark ten volume Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan, a second edition of which was completed after his death. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1958 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1976, India's third and second highest civilian honours respectively. Several species of birds, a couple of bird sanctuaries and institutions have been named after him.

Reviews

[Amrendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the basic bible for birdwatching compiled by the Birdman of India - Dr. Salim Ali and revised in the year 2002 by J.C.Daniel.

The book gives the scientific and common names of over 538 species of birds along with their illustrated pictures in 64 plates in colour. The book touches upon several aspects of birds - their species, flight pattern, built, nesting, migration patterns, their mating behaviour, their usefulness, etc. The book also has a chapter on Bird Watching and it's joys.

In a FAQ section, Salim Ali has answered several general queries on birds. This book with its deft scientific description and pointers to the uniqueness of several birds like the Baya, Hornbill, Jacana, Swiftlet, Arctic Tern, Swallows, Indian Roller, etc shall certainly evoke an everlasting interest for the amateur birdwatcher.

[Neha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had bought this book a few years back out of my interest in photographing birds. Many years later, I have started photographing birds again and reached out to this book. This book has never failed me in identifying any bird. It is amazing to see the accuracy of the pictures and the descriptions.
I use this book as a field guide and it amuses me when i read something in the book and then see the exact same thing happen in nature.
Just last week, I saw a Common Iora in my backyard. Only after reading in the book that it frequents mango trees did i realise that, this little yellow bird was indeed hopping about the mango tree.
A colossal study with beautiful intricacies is presented in the most humble manner in this beautiful book.

[Bala Bala · Rating 5 out of 5]

I

[Jaya Kumar K · Rating 5 out of 5]

A detailed account of all species of birds in India, their habits, breeding and nesting. This is the abridged version of much more comprehensive volumes "Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan".
For beginners and professionals alike this book can be a ready reference, with detailed plates and descriptions on various similar birds and sub-species. The introduction on birds and their impacts on eco-system is an eye opener for many, even those who have not taken to birding.

A must have for any bird watcher, and very useful field guide.

[Puneet Gurnani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would put it as just sufficient for starting out. The drawings are perfect with easily identifiable markings/features. It does not overwhelm you with innumerable similar looking birds and you feel quite in control . And best of all is the language... just apt to describe the relevant features. The description for the common babbler just makes you smile at the precisely put words. Birds of the indian subcontinent by Grimmet and another one by the same name by Kazmierczak are perhaps more popular but as a novice I think salim ali's book of Indian birds take the worm ... cake.

[Siddharth Bhattacharya · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome book for all bird lovers.

[Ankita T · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ultimate guide... It just can't go beyond that...

[Lavan Sj]

Want to learn more about indian birds

[Atul Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A

[Nishant · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great handbook of Indian birds, if you enjoy birdwatching or simply loves them.

[Deepayan Bhattacharjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book to start bird watching in the Indian Subcontinent.

[Ashutosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must reference for all bird lovers .

[Raja Simma Pandiyan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best field guide for Indian birds. The apt description for each species made this guide as my first point of reference.

[Ahmed Wajeeh]

precise to the last word , amazing and best you can buy on the indian birds .