THE BIRDS OF OMAN

Michael Gallagher and Martin W Woodcock

*See also Birdlife in Oman and A Birdwatching guide to Oman

mapFor thousands of years the Indian Ocean has been a vital free highway between the nations which border it.One of these nations,the Sultanate of Oman,which has a diverse and interesting fauna of its own,also provides an important land link between continents for hordes of migratory birds.From a zoological standpoint,too,Oman occupies a position of extreme interest:it forms a meeting place for three of the world's great zoo-geographical regions,and amongst its breeding birds are species which are typical of the Palearctic,Oriental and Ethiopian regions.Few other countries of similar size can boast a similar diversity.This comprehensive and lavishly illustrated book provides the first systematic guide to all the bird species found in the Sultanate.Over 550 species from 75 families are treated in the text and shown in full colour on the facing plates,(example click here) many of which portray the birds in typical Omani backgrounds.For each species,information given in the text includes world range,status in Oman,and data on plumage,form and behaviour designed to assist in accurate identification of the birds:There is also extensive introductory material,consisting of a scholarly review of various aspects of ornithology in Oman,including migration and the history of ornithological exploration,and a section on the climate and physical features of the country which is illustrated with colour photographs showing the various types of habitat and there are four carefully researched and informative maps.The detailed and scientific treatment of the text and the wealth of illustration combine to form a work which will not only be indispensable to both amateur and professional ornithologists,but will also have a strong appeal for lovers of the desert and its natural history and for connisseurs of fine books.

The three Oman Nightjars

Top to bottom

Nubian Nightjar Male (left top and in flight)

Egyptian Nightjar (centre)

European Nightjar Male (bottom)

1980.Quartet books.310pp with 119 colour plates.Softback.Condition tight and clean £30.00 To order click here or telephone +44 (outside UK) (0) 1665 713954

Birdlife in Oman
Hanne Eriksen and Jens Eriksen

Provides an informative text covering all nine regions of Oman, describing and illustrating with over 150 stunning colour photographs the most interesting and spectacular birds characteristic of each area. Oblong format.

99 pages, col photos.
Country of Publication: Sultanate of Oman Price £25.00 - POST FREE UK

Birdwatching Guide to Oman
Hans Eriksen, Jens Eriksen, Panadda Sargeant and Dave Sargeant

The site guide section of this excellent new birdwatching guide covers over 60 of the Sultanate's top birdwatching sites - each including a detailed map, information on habitats, access and a complete list of the species with relative abundance. A birdfinder is included with details of how, where and when to best find each species, as well as a complete checklist with seasonal status.

253 pages, col photos, line illus, maps, tabs.
Country of Publication: Sultanate of Oman
Price £18.95 Post free UK

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