The Birds of Pakistan: Volume 1: Regional Studies and Non-Passeriformes [Hardcover]

T. J. Roberts (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 18, 1991

This comprehensive two-volume set, authored by world-famous ornithologist Tom Roberts, is the first complete account of the avifauna of Pakistan. Covering 660 species, this superb reference book details migration patterns, voice descriptions, wintering habits and breeding status. The first volume contains much regional background information about zoogeographic influences upon bird distribution in the region, describes the main ecological zones, and has chapters on the contribution of early ornithologists and interaction between birds and man. Each volume contains a bibliography and index. The set is supported by 47 full-color plates and over 100 black and white illustrations, all drawn by the author. Volume Two will be published in 1991.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`The publication of this first volume of a two-volume handbook thus represents a major landmark in the ornithology of Pakistan.' `This book is a monumental effort and a tribute to the experience and dedication of the author.' British Birds

`.. there is nothing amateur about this book, which is thorough, detailed, and authoritative: a work any professional would be proud of...............it is an indispensable reference and essential addition to the library of anyone with a serious interest in the birds of the subcontinent.' Oriental Bird Club Bulletin

'a major landmark in the ornithology of Pakistan ... It has been written by the acknowledged authority on the birds of Pakistan whose impeccable qualifications include residence in the country for no less than 38 years ... monumental effort and a tribute to the experience and dedication of the author ... it deserves to find its way onto the shelves of all those with an interest in the region.' Nigel Redman, British Birds, Volume 84, Number 12, December 1991

'most of the important field characteristics are clearly portrayed ... Overall the book is pleasant to read, well laid out and printed to a high quality World Birdwatch, Volume 13 No.4, Dec. 1991

'The species accounts are concise, informative and interesting, incorporating much knowledge gained by the author in the field. The book is pleasant to read, well laid out and printed to a high quality. This is an important regional handbook, and a must for anyone interested in Pakistani birds or in Asian birds generally.' Craig Robson, Birding World, Volume 4, Number 11'

'large informative work ... the accounts are frequently a delight to either dip into or browse through ... A must for all birdwatchers visiting Pakistan and a useful addition to any bird library.' Oryx

'Ornithologists interested in South Asia have been waiting for this book for some time. The wait was certainly worth it... This volume and its companion still to come (Passerines) will be standard works for at least a generation... This book will be of great value to Indian ornithologists, especially those based in the northwest. All round, a splendid achievement and great value for money.' Recent Ornithological Publications

'When it is complete, The Birds of Pakistan must rank with the greatest individual tours de force in the ornithological world in recent years. The author has an unrivalled 34 years experience in Pakistan and his meticulous account of the birds of that country is illustrated by his own line drawings and colour plates.' The Phoenix, Number 9, December 1992

'Tom Roberts has produced a landmark in Oriental ornithology. So much authoritative material in a single work is almost unique in the region and sets a new high standard. The work is an essential investment and thoroughly recommended.' Simon Harrup, BTO News

'This is the first complete account of the avifauna of Pakistan - fascinatingly written, well illustrated, and expertly mapped - covering 660 species. And it is all the work of one man, Tom Roberts, who has spent most of his adult life in the country. It is an incredible achievement, a useful reference book and a good read (not at all dry or telegrammitic, as many bird manuals are)... Perhaps this authoritative two-volume study will encourage the Pakistan government to enforce protection of their country's rarer species.' Peter Holt, Weelkly Gulf Times

About the Author

World-famous ornithologist, recipient of President of WWF International Award for Conservation Merit, 1982.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 666 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 1st edition (April 18, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195774043
• ISBN-13: 978-0195774047
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.5 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,482,728 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Erudite and accessible study, February 6, 2001

By 

John Walbridge (Bloomington, Indiana) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Birds of Pakistan: Volume 1: Regional Studies and Non-Passeriformes (Hardcover)

This is a terrific book, the product of years of loving study of the birds of Pakistan. The author includes many of his own observations, but he has also combed the literature. If some 19th century official found a nest of a particular species, Roberts knows about it. The result is a finely nuanced account of each species, its features, and its behaviors. The author is also very knowledgable about Pakistani plants, insects, agriculture, and ecology, erudition that makes the accounts of the individual species more detailed and convincing. His mastery of the older literature means that he has been able to trace changes in distribution and populations. This is a deeply learned book, valuable not just for people in Pakistan but also in areas sharing the same species. There is also a very thorough bibliography.

The only weakness of the book is that the plates are a little scanty, so a good field guide is also needed.

An extremely useful book, even for relative amateurs like me.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Ornithological Masterpiece, September 20, 2000

By 

Nausherwan Ahmed (U.S.A (Pakistani)) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Birds of Pakistan: Volume 1: Regional Studies and Non-Passeriformes (Hardcover)

The two volumes, "The Birds of Pakistan" written by T.J Roberts is the only complete book covering the avifauna of the region and is a landmark in the field of ornithology. Pakistan's incredibly diverse environment from the highest mountains on earth to burning deserts, rich plains, endless rivers and 1050 km coastline supports 668 species of resident and migrant birds. This monumental book covers all the 668 species believed to occur in Pakistan. Every specie information is presented in detail with illustrations and distribution maps all drawn by the author himself. This first volume ( Regional Studies and Non-Passeriformes ) contains detailed descriptions of 347 nonpasseriformes together with information about zoogeographic influences upon bird distribution, the main ecological zones, migration patterns, and contributions of early ornithologists. The volume contains 23 plates, 68 illustrations, and 285 distribution maps. A must for every birdwatcher who is interested in the avifauna of Pakistan and the neighbouring countries.