New Titles

                                                                                                                                                             
1) Dutson, Guy. Birds of Melanesia: Bismarcks, Solomons, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia. 2012. Princeton University Press. Paperback: 447 pages. Price: $49.95 U.S.
SUMMARY: Melanesia harbors an amazing range of endemic bird species and subspecies, many of which are poorly known. Birds of Melanesia is the first comprehensive field guide to all 501 species found in the Bismarck Archipelago, Bougainville, the Solomons, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia. This beautifully illustrated guide features 86 color plates that depict almost every species--including many endemic subspecies--and many of the plates are arranged by island group for easy reference. Detailed species accounts describe key identification features and distribution, as well as key features for all subspecies. Distribution bars are also given for all species except extreme vagrants. This title includes:

*Covers all 501 species recorded in Melanesia, 204 of which are endemic
*Features 86 color plates that illustrate almost every species
*Provides detailed species accounts
*Includes distribution bars for all species except extreme vagrants

RECOMMENDATION: A must have for those birding the region!

                                                                               
2) Grimmett, Richard, Carol and Tim Inskipp. Birds of India (with Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and The Maldives) Second Edition. 2012. Princeton University Press. Paperback: 528 pages. Price: $39.50 U.S.
SUMMARY: The best field guide to the birds of the Indian subcontinent is now even better. Thoroughly revised, with 73 new plates and many others updated or repainted, the second edition of Birds of India now features all maps and text opposite the plates for quicker and easier reference. Newly identified species have been added, the text has been extensively revised, and all the maps are new. Comprehensive and definitive, this is the indispensable guide for anyone birding in this part of the world.

     The leading field guide to the birds of the Indian subcontinent--now thoroughly revised and improved. This title includes:

*1,375 species illustrated and described, including all residents, migrants, and vagrants
*226 color plates--including 73 new ones--depict every species and many distinct plumages and races
*Concise text and accurate distribution maps opposite plates for easy reference
*Includes newly identified species

RECOMMENDATION: A must have for those birding the Indian Subcontinent!