Basics: 1994, softcover, 128 pages, 71 color photos, 62 species, no range maps

Here is a small photo guide that offers great photos of nearly all the birds that breed on the Seychelles islands group and a few other regular visitors. This book is not meant to be a field guide to the nearly 250 birds to be found here, but to display the endemic and resident birds that lure birders to these islands.

As the title suggests, the author has selected fantastic photos, making it the best book available for showing the islands' birds in photographs. Other books are either artistic illustrations or offer only a sample of photos. Each bird receives nearly a full page of text that focuses on its description and natural history. As one would expect, the endemic species receive more coverage.

The only minor quirk about this book is the lack of a species name with the photo. Instead, the name and text is on the back-side of the photo.

Take this book with you to the Seychelles. It won't display every bird you'll encounter -- you'll need the field guide Birds of the Seychelles by the same author for that -- but it will provide wonderful photos of the endemic and endangered birds. ( )