Birds of the Mediterranean: A Photographic Guide (Photographic Guides (Yale University Press)) (Paperback)

by Paul Sterry (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"It is a very clear, well-presented book. The photos are terrific."—Noble Proctor, Ph.D., Ornithologist

Product Description
The Mediterranean is remarkably rich with birds, not only because of the great diversity of habitats in the region but also because it provides the main flyway for most migrant breeding species of northern Europe. This stunning new photoguide encompasses all species of birds, including seabirds, found in the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea and in the adjacent areas with a Mediterranean climate. Featuring nearly 1,000 beautiful color photographs, many of which were taken for this volume, the book presents illustrations and concise accounts of each species. The pocket-sized photoguide is convenient, up-to-date, and accurate. Through the extensive use of digital software to enhance the photographs, the book enables readers to compare similar species easily and to view far more plumage variations than ever before. Armchair travelers, birders in the field, and holiday visitors alike will find this book both delightful and useful.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Yale University Press (July 11, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0300103603
• ISBN-13: 978-0300103601
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #448,014 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Attractive photo guide, effective for field identification, July 1, 2008

By	Soleglad (Arizona, USA) - See all my reviews

Basics: 2003, 1st edition, softcover, 192 pages, 1,000 color photographs, 440 species, range maps

The format of this book is a photo identification guide to be used in the field. The assortment and quality of photos is very good and typically offer multiple shots. Some of the insert photos for winter, juvenile, or races are bit small but they're usually still useful. Other than the wagtails, little attention is given to the subspecies. The desire to pack in many photos -- again, most of which are pretty good -- makes for a very busy look. There are 8-17 photos per page. The gulls, raptors, and pipits are especially crammed. With all the photos available, I would have benefitted if there was just one photo that compared the ventral side of the shearwaters while using this book near Turkey.

The one-paragraph text is both concise and potent, giving the necessary descriptions for the bird and to separate it from similar species. Very brief mention is given to the habitat and even more scant attention is given to the vocalizations. This proved to be a weakness when I was listening to a mostly-hidden Olivaceous Warbler.

The range maps use three colors to distinguish the seasonal presence and, despite their small size (1.5 x 2.5cm), are effective since the boundaries of all the Mediterranean countries are shown.

If you're visiting the coastal areas of the Mediterranean, you'll find this book to be very useful. It covers the breeders and most of the expected migrants. I'll still advise you to also carry one of the European guides (specifically, Mullarney's or Jonsson's) for the more detailed and varied illustrations along with the superior in-depth text.

I've listed several related books below...
1) Birds of Europe by Mullarney et.al.
2) Birds of Europe with North Africa and the Middle East by Jonsson
3) Birds of Britain and Europe with North Africa and the Middle East by Heinzel
4) Birds of the Mediterranean and Alps by Jonsson
5) The Breeding Birds of Europe: A Photographic Handbook by Pforr
6) Collins Bird Guide to Europe by Keith
7) Field Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe by Flegg
8) A Photographic Field Guide: Birds of Britain and Europe by Flegg
9) The Handbook of Bird Identification for Europe and the Western Palearctic by Beaman