A Field Guide to the Birds of China

by John MacKinnon, Karen Phillipps

China is one of the largest countries in the world, covering 7% of the earth's land surface, and encompassing a hugely diverse range of habitats. As a result it boasts a rich and diverse avifauna, including some of the most spectacular and fascinating birds to be found anywhere in the world.
John MacKinnon and Karen Phillipps' important new guide will be the first truly comprehensive, taxonomically modern, and fully illustrated field guide to the birds of China. Over 1300 bird species are illustrated in 128 original colour paintings, by Karen Phillipps and Dave Showler. The species
accounts stress the key points for field recognition and give a full description of the plumage, voice, range, distribution, status, and behavioral characteristics for every bird, with additional descriptions provided for hundreds of subspecies. Colour distribution maps are provided for all
illustrated species. The book also includes a useful introductory section that presents a background to the ecology of China, a brief history of Chinese ornithology, and plenty of practical hints on birdwatching in China. The guide's portable format means it will fit easily into a backpack or
pocket. John MacKinnon lived in China and Hong Kong for eight years, and has extensive experience of watching and writing about Chinese birds. He has been working in ecology and conservation in Asia for over 30 years, and his work in China included co-authoring the master plan to save the Giant
Panda and its habitat. He has written and co-authored many books on the natural history of Asia, including a number of other bird guides. Karen Phillipps was born in Borneo, lived in Hong Kong for over 20 years, and has illustrated several other books on the birdlife of the region.

Genres: Birds, Nature

600 pages, Paperback

First published August 10, 2000

Reviews

[Sheri Fresonke Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reference book, most of the birds though are found in the southern part of China. Good illustrations, descriptions of the birds, maps. Good explanation about the history of birding in China including the affect of bird flu, hunger etc. on bird populations.

[Scott Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used this field guide while on business in Hong Kong in 2006, finding it to be very useful. I only wish I had more time to be out in the field (I did manage to bird the Victoria peak area and met up with a WWF bird-a-thon group).

[Joshua Keir · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is impressive. Can't wait for the trip to China!!

[hiba · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book, comprehensive, clear