Customer Reviews

Birds of New Guinea

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

What i appreciate most abt this book is tt it's chock full of information. from an introduction to papuan geography to taxonomy, as well as intros into racial variation of the very diverse groups of birds in NG. The book also delves into the country's natural history, environment and even island biogeography.

another thing i appreciate is the significant introduction given to each family of birds before the species' details list. such info allows the birder to understand how better to expect, spot and identify these birds in the field.

contact information also provided for those interested in visiting the country. followed by a range of tips on how to best to identify birds in the Papuan terrain. the author even goes so far as to give mention of the significance of birds in Papuan culture and life, which is a graet insight, little expected in a field guide.

lastly, of course, the slates are wonderfully coloured, otherwise in black and white (but don't worry, of course the colouration is mentioned in the description) - i suppose to cut costs (this book is expensive) - but an indespensible edition to a complete guide to birds of the indonesian archipelago.

A helpful introduction to the birds of New Guinea for anyone from the beginning bird watcher to experienced ornithologist. It is useful for identification of and differentiation between birds, and for basic information about the known habits of the birds. Good as a starting point for those who wish to study further.

I just returned from 2 weeks in Papua New Guinea where the only comprehensive bird field guide was the Beehler book, which one of the travelers had checked out from their local library. Even the naturalist, who led the trip, had another book that wasn't nearly as good. We could not have identified as many birds without this valuable resource. A new edition is coming out in April 2008, but until then, the 1986 edition is the best there is.

Though quite old, this remains a good (and the only!) guide to the birds of New Guinea.
Unfortunately its coverage doesn't extend to the Bismarck Archipelago, but for the New Guinea mainland and the West Papuan islands I found it perfect.

I have not received the book yet. And I get no information, when I try to find out "Where is my stuff". So, I am looking forward to hearing from you - and hopefully get the book soon!

Your sincerely,

Ian Heilmann

It seems amazon is not able to ship this book, at least not in 8 months (I ordered it in December 2005) - Shop around or cancel your trip and wait for the new edition due in 2007.