Birds of the Middle East (Helm Field Guides) [Paperback]

RF Porter (Author)

Book Description

Series: Helm Field Guides | Publication Date: September 30, 2004

This is the first comprehensive field guide dealing exclusively with the birds of this region. It covers all the species, including vagrants, found in the Arabian peninsula (including Socotra), Jordan, Lebanon, Israel, Iraq, Iran, Turkey and Cyprus. Over 700 species are described in concise text with full details of pulmage and voice. Distribution maps appear opposite the plates and are annotated with each species' status and preferred habitat. This authoritative book will not only be an indispensable guide to the visiting birder, but also a vital tool for those engaged in work to conserve and study the avifauna of this region, which is of such importance to both the indigenous species and those which pass through on migration.

Editorial Reviews

Review

There has always been a problem deciding which books to take birding in the Middle East. With the arrival of this new field guide to the region it is now possible to contemplate using only one book in the field. . . . This is an indispensable and thoroughly recommended aid for birdwatchers in the Middle East and beyond. -- Andrew Grieve, Birdwatch

[The] illustrations are all of a consistently high standard. . . . Highly recommended. -- David Tomlinson, New Scientist

Four artists have contributed and . . . the overall standard is very high. . . . Highly recommended for anyone interested in the birds of the region, and for most of the Middle East it is certainly the best available field guide. -- Andy Musgrove, BTO News

At long last, the book all travelers to the Middle East have been waiting for--an up-to-date, comprehensive and, most important of all, single volume field guide. . . . There is little doubt that this book is a real tour de force and should remain the standard work for the region for a long time to come. Strongly recommended for all visitors to the Middle East. -- Gordon Hamlett, Bird Watching

Here we have a clear, state of the art guide that has me wondering how it could be bettered. . . . The 112 coloured plates are truly a veritable delight of excellence. -- Bob Scott, British Birds

Visitors to the Near East . . . will want to own this new guide, and residents of the region should not be without it. -- Guy Kirwan, Birding World

This excellent book is a must for anyone going to this region. Beginners will find it easy to use, and . . . to learn. Advanced birdwatchers will learn something that they have not yet, and what will ultimately help with correct identification. The bottom line is: this is the best field guide published so far on birds of the Middle East. -- Zpravy Mos, Wilson Bulletin

[A] unique and up-to-date source of information regarding the birds and their distribution. . . . The colour plates . . . are beautifully and accurately illustrated. This book, although primarily a field guide, is the first publication which gives a full and comprehensive description of all bird species of the Middle East. It is highly recommended for those who are interested in birds of this region or who are planning to go birdwatching here. -- O. Bahat, Ibis --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Back Cover

The Birds of the Middle East is the first comprehensive field guide dealing exclusively with the birds of this region. It covers all the species, including vagrants, found in the Arabia peninsula (including Socotra), Jordan, Lebanon, Israel, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Turkey and Cyprus. Over 700 species are described in concise texts giving full details of the plumage and voice of all recognizable forms. Distribution maps appear opposite the plates and are annotated with details of each species' status and preferred habitat.
Four artists have prepared a magnificent set of specially commissioned plates which show all the forms described in full colour.
The authors have extensive ornithological experience in the Middle East spanning over 30 years of research into the identification, biology and conservation of the many wonderful species to be found there. This authoritative book will be not only an indispensable guide to the visiting birder, but also a vital tool for those engaged in work to conserve and study the avifauna of this region which is of such importance both for the indigenous species and for those which pass through it on their migrations between the Palearctic and Africa. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 476 pages
• Publisher: A&C Black (September 30, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0713670169
• ISBN-13: 978-0713670165
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,957,998 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Good Guide, January 15, 2005

By 

Laszlo Wagner (Hungary) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Field Guide to the Birds of the Middle East (Princeton Field Guides) (Paperback)

After an earlier edition of this guide was long out of print and increasingly hard to find and expensive even as a second hand copy, the publication of this new, paperback edition was most welcome!
I found this book just about perfect: the size and weight are still convenient for field-use, and editing is very well done, with the range maps (which only show summer/bredding ranges though) and essential status and habitat info right opposite the color plates illustrating each species, though longer, detailed information on appearence and voice are to be found separately at the back.
Most importantly, the illustrations are excellent and plentiful, usually with several pictures of each species showing various races, sexes, juveniles, summer and winter plumage, birds in flight, etc. as justified by variation.
I kind of missed (more) information on the birds' ecology, habits and taxonomy, but I guess omitting these was the price that had to be paid for a not-too-bulky field guide.
I can only wish I could have carried this book on my previous trips to the Middle East - it will certainly be with me on the next ones!

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Field Guide to the Birds of the Middle East, April 13, 2003

By 

Andrew Dapkins (APO, AE) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Field Guide to the Birds of the Middle East (T & AD Poyser) (Hardcover)

I would actually rate this book at a 4.99. The reason I did not give it a 5 is that the maps only show the breeding or summer range. Other than that the book is outstanding. The colors vivid and the artwork is exceptional. The plates have brief descriptions that you need in the field and in the back of the book the author goes into greater depth and gets really specific, this format is different than any other guide I have and I liked it. When and if it ever comes out in soft cover it should be the book to carry when visiting the Middle East.
Do not get caught without this field guide when traveling in this area, it is a must to have! The price is just right.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Get the new 2010 edition now!, September 10, 2010

By 

Robert K. Furrer "Swissboy" (Sempach, Switzerland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Birds of the Middle East (Helm Field Guides) (Paperback)

There has been a much improved new edition that was published in August 2010. So make sure you buy that one as it provides much more detailed distribution maps. Also, the new edition, with the Sooty Falcon on the cover, now has the text opposite the plates.