Birds of Europe, Russia, China, and Japan - (Princeton Illustrated Checklists) by Norman Arlott (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

This is the first of two field guides illustrating and describing all of the approximately 1,800 bird species found in the Palearctic--the huge region that includes Europe, Asia north of the Himalayas, and Africa north of the Sahara. This area spans the countries of the former Soviet Union, all of the Russian Arctic, China, Mongolia, North Korea, South Korea, Japan, and the Middle East excluding the Gulf countries. This first volume covers all the passerines (perching birds, from tyrant flycatchers to buntings) or songbirds and will soon be followed by a companion guide to the nonpasserines (divers to woodpeckers). These volumes are the first and only field guides for many parts of the area covered, and mark the first time all of these birds have been included in a single pair of books.

This first volume covers every passerine species and subspecies in the area, in every adult plumage--all illustrated and described by Norman Arlott, a leading bird artist who has many years of field experience with these species.

• Color plates of all field-identifiable species, including subspecies and color morphs


• Succinct facing-page text concentrates on key field-identification features, including voice


• Detailed distribution map for each species


• Well-researched and accessible


• Handy format-the ideal field guide


• Essential for anyone interested in Eurasian birds

From the Back Cover

"As an illustrated checklist (designed for quick identification purposes) it is first class, but it will also be a useful field guide in its own right. I can't think of another book that would qualify as competition to this one. No other book covers a similar range and scope in one volume. It is long overdue."--Clive Byers, award-winning bird illustrator

Review Quotes

"Altogether a most welcome addition to the field literature of the birds found in this vast region."---Charles E. Keller, Indiana Audubon Quarterly

"In a single volume I have a reference that will assist me in my travels through many countries. . . . I would recommend buying the book if you are planning to visit Europe and Asia as a supplement to your other resources."---Geoff Carpentier, Ontario Birding News

About the Author

Norman Arlott, one of the world's leading bird artists, has illustrated close to 100 books, and his artwork regularly appears in magazines. He has led ornithology tours in East Africa, and has designed special bird stamp issues for many countries, including Jamaica, the Bahamas, Gambia, and Malawi.