Jin-yuan Wang

Basics: 2001, softcover, 63 pages, 58 color photos of 51 species, no range maps

There is nothing “complete” about this guide, except having the complete set of numbered pages from 3-63 (sarcasm). This small book illustrates only 51 (11%) of the 450+ birds found in Taiwan. Only four of the 15 endemic birds are shown (Collared Bush-Robin, Formosan Magpie, Formosan Whistling-Thrush, Taiwan Yuhina). Another small annoyance for me is the inclusion of globaly common birds such as Green-winged Teal, Great Cormorant, Dunlin, Common Moorhen, Barn Swallow, Cattle Egret, Red-necked Phalarope, and Black-crowned Night-Heron.

I’ll give credit to the color photographs, though. Most of them are pretty good. Several should have cropped/zoomed in closer on the bird to make it larger. The birds are presented in no order, other than being placed in the four seasonal groupings of spring, summer, autumn and winter.

The text offers general information on the physical description along with habitat and feeding habits. Other brief information is offered on various aspects of the bird’s natural history.

This book is only a cursory glance at Taiwan’s birdlife. For me, the book serves no more than to pick it up once or twice, notice the nice pictures, and to put it back on the shelf with a low probability of ever being picked up again.… (plus d'informations)