Madagascar.

This book actually has three authors:Fanj Andriamialisoa (the Madagascan), Ian Sinclair, and Olivier Langrand.

This bird identification guide features large, clear photos and parallel text in English and French. (Yes, I also read the French.) The authors rely heavily on the word "unmistakable," which is annoying but innocent. More problematically, some birds, which perhaps correctly pictured, appear different from their descriptions (for example, they are not the color given in the text). ( )

Basics: 1998, 1st edition, softcover, 184 pages, 70 color plates, 359 species, range maps

This field guide is the predecessor to the smaller photographic guide of 2006 by the same authors. This is the only complete field guide to cover these unique islands in the Indian Ocean. Fortunately, as the only guide, it is also a very good guide. The illustrations are high quality and the text is well-written to aid the birder with the more difficult groups of birds such as warblers, newtonias, and greenbuls.

A range map has been supplied for each of the birds. Given the high percentage of birds endemic to this area -- which is probably a key attractor for anyone birding here -- it would have been helpful to make some type of visual distinction in the map to signify if the range reflects an endemic bird or the visitation grounds of a migrant/visitor. To be fair to the authors, this information is clearly stated within the text under “Status”.

This book is invaluable – and a necessity – for birding the smaller islands around Madagascar. For a visit to only Madagascar, this book will be as equally useful as the few other field guides written for this country. ( )

Basics: 2006, 1st edition, softcover, 128 pages, 141 color photos, 128 species, no range maps

This photographic guide is a follow-up to the earlier and more extensive field guide of 1998 by the same authors. This smaller book was intended to expose the reader to the more “striking or extraordinary” species of the region. This guide has excellent color photos of 128 species (about one-third of the 360 in the region) that are sampled from each of the key areas covered in this book. Each bird is also given a brief descriptive paragraph along with its range and its general natural history.

For those people interested in seeing quality photos of rarer, isolated birds, this book will be enjoyed. Although it should not be considered a substitute for the field guide, it is a good study aid to many of the unique birds. For a more serious birding trip to the smaller islands around Madagascar, the field guide by the same authors is a highly recommended and necessary alternative.

The text is written in both English and French.

Other Related Books:
1) Birds of the Indian Ocean Islands by Sinclair
2) The Birds of Seychelles and the Outlying Islands by Penny
3) Oiseaux de la Reunion by Barre
4) The Beautiful Birds of Seychelles by Skerrett
5) Birds of the Seychelles by Bullock
6) Birds of Mauritius by Michel
7) Birds of Seychelles: An Illustrated Handbook by Beamish
8) Les Oiseaux de Comores by Louette
9) Guide to the Birds of Madagascar by Langrand
10) Birds of Madagascar: A Photographic Guide by Morris ( )