Rishad Naoroji

Basics: 2006, hardcover, 692 pages, 15 color plates, 850 color photos, 69 species, range maps

This book exceeded my expectations. It is certainly on par with the best raptor books in the US or Europe. The chapters offer a depth of information and the photos are abundant and of good quality for each of India’s 69 (non-Owl) raptors.

Each raptor is assigned its own chapter, ranging from 2 to 19 pages in length, depending on the status or abundance of the bird in the region. The sections on description and on field characters make up 1/3 to 1/2 of the text provided for the bird. This information is very detailed and does a good job at addressing the genders and ages. The author also does a superb job of offering some key ID marks and of comparing similar species. The remainder of the text covers status, distribution, habitat, behavior, and breeding. This information is top notch and is supported by a bibliography of 49 pages comprising 1,000+ references.

Most birds have 15-20 color photos that offer a good selection of poses and plumages. They are shown both in flight and perched as well as with dorsal and ventral views. A few of the species are shown with only 2-3 photos (e.g., Collared & Pied Falconets, Nicobar Serpent-Eagle) while one, the isolated Nicobar Sparrowhawk, has no photo and is shown only by four color illustrations in the plates. The 15 color plates illustrate all 69 species with 2-28 different illustrations. Most birds have 6-10 illustrations. These illustrations are quality artwork with fine detail and good color reproduction. Each plate holds an average of 20 illustrations, causing some of the birds to be slightly small, but still an acceptable size.

The range maps show good detail and are nice-sized at 3.5-inches square. The Indian subcontinent shows Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and both of the Nicobar and Andaman island groups. The boundaries of the Indian states are also displayed to help with a more detailed reference.

This large, heavy book is an excellent at-home reference and not a field guide. Anyone with an interest in raptors will definitely want to add this quality book to his library.

I’ve listed several related books below…
1) Raptors of the World by Ferguson-Lees
2) Eagles, Hawks, and Falcons of the World by Brown
3) Birds of Prey of the World by Grossman
4) Birds of South Asia: The Ripley Guide - Volumes 1 & 2 by Rasmussen
5) A Guide to the Birds of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives by Grimmett
6) A Photographic Guide to the Birds of India by Grewal… (plus d'informations)