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This
book is a must-have for any bird watcher in Thailand for the fact
that it is the most up-to-date book for the region, containing the
majority of the recent additions to the Thai list and includes all
but the most recent splits. The 128 colour plates are drawn in great
detail and are well spaced and clearly annotated, whilst the book
itself is of a weight and size that lends itself to efficient use
in the field. The organisation of this book is mostly clear and
efficient with all text relating to the illustrations on the page
opposite the plates, something which is not true for all field guides.
The text for each species includes a clear and updated distribution
map which can often be useful in identifying species, but care should
be taken when doing this as range extensions are often reported
for many species. Many people will also be pleased with the way
species are ordered in a more up-to-date fashion which is indexed
on the opening page pictorially for quick reference, although the
dust cover does its best to prevent efficient use of this on the
hardback version.
In many cases
the detailed illustrations have made identification of certain species
much easier than in the past; the Birds of Prey, Hawk Cuckoos and
Reed Warblers are examples of this. However, in some cases the illustrations,
although detailed, have not captured the true shape of the species
and have placed them in poses atypical of their habits. This should
be kept in mind particularly when identifying Terns as it seems
there has been some distortion in the printing process and the pictures
of Bay Owl and Large Wren Babbler are especially poor. |
| Space
appears to have limited the amount of text in this book which means
that there is no foreword regarding habitats or birding conditions
in Thailand, although species text is mostly consice and is of a
size which can be easily read. Occasionally, the species text contains
lengthy descriptions of bird calls which I personally find virtually
useless and it would often be better to include more information
on behaviour.
Any faults aside,
this book is essential for any birding trip to Thailand for the
fact that it contains a far more complete set of species than older
publications, although since publication a few species have been
added to the Thai list and there have been major advances regarding
the splitting of Gulls and Leaf Warblers. Overall, this book compares
well to any other field guide and is more than adequate for identifying
all the species one will see on any birding trip in Thailand. |
