What a handy guide for anyone with an interest in New Zealand birds! A Naturalist's Guide to the Birds of New Zealand is an easy-to-use photographic guide to a staggering 228 local birds.
Each species in the book has text the describes their identifying features, distribution, habits and habitat, and also their conversation status. The book uses their common, scientific and Maori names, as well as information about their size.
The text is authoritative, and the colour photos are appealing. After looking through this guide, I’ve fallen in love with many birds, some of which I knew about, but some who are new to me:
the striking Spotted Shag, the once mythical Chatham Island Taiko, the sweet Yellow-Eyed Penguin, the distinctive Marsh Sandpiper and the wading Eastern Curlew, to name just a few.
The book highlights the work being done so no more native species are lost in the future, so it also includes an up-to-date checklist of the birds of New Zealand with their national and IUCN status.
A Naturalist's Guide to the Birds of New Zealand is a must-have book for anyone interested in native New Zealand birds – both experienced bird watchers and those new to learning about our native birds. This is the perfect pocket-sized book that you can take out into the field with you.
Reviewer: Karen McMillan
John Beaufoy Publishing