Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan

Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan

by Sálim Ali, Sálim Ali

From two world-renowned ornithologists, Ali and Ripley's Handbook remains one of the most important reference works on the birds of India and Pakistan, along with the adjacent areas of Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. This ten-volume set presents the life history information, taxonomy, colour
pictures of practically every species, of birds in one of the world's riches birdlife regions.

Genres: Nature

365 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1973

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.