A Pictorial Guide to the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent

by Sálim Ali, S. Dillon Ripley, John Henry Dick (Illustrator)

For ornithologists, natural history enthusiasts, environmentalists, and amateur birdwatchers, this revised edition of a 1983 book is essential as the only single-volume guide available of birds in India. Unlike similar books, which only cover one region and even then only a small portion of
species in their area, this volume includes all the bird species found in the Indian subcontinent, shown in over 100 color plates from noted American bird painter John Henry Dick. The plates have been arranged by family in systematic order, and the author provides concise information concerning
status, size, habitat, and distribution.

170 pages, Hardcover

First published August 15, 1996

About the author

Sálim Moizuddin Abdul Ali (12 November 1896 – 20 June 1987) was an Indian ornithologist and naturalist. Sometimes referred to as the "birdman of India", Salim Ali was among the first Indians to conduct systematic bird surveys across India and wrote several bird books that popularised ornithology in India. He became a key figure behind the Bombay Natural History Society after 1947 and used his personal influence to garner government support for the organisation, create the Bharatpur bird sanctuary (Keoladeo National Park) and prevent the destruction of what is now the Silent Valley National Park. Along with Sidney Dillon Ripley he wrote the landmark ten volume Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan, a second edition of which was completed after his death. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1958 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1976, India's third and second highest civilian honours respectively. Several species of birds, a couple of bird sanctuaries and institutions have been named after him.