Birds of Vietnam2nd Edition

Description

Birds of Vietnam – Second Edition: A Comprehensive Field Guide for Birdwatchers

Birds of Vietnam is the definitive field guide for anyone interested in the rich and varied birdlife of this Southeast Asian hotspot. Renowned for its incredible biodiversity, Vietnam is home to more endemic and near-endemic bird species than any other country in mainland Southeast Asia. This second edition offers the most complete and up-to-date reference for birders, researchers, and conservationists exploring Vietnam’s extraordinary avian diversity.

With a total of 931 species described in detail—including 16 endemic species and subspecies groups, and 42 near-endemic species and subspecies groups—Birds of Vietnam is an indispensable tool in the field. The book combines detailed texts, high-quality illustrations, full-colour range maps, and digital enhancements to provide an intuitive and authoritative resource for bird identification and study.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Species Coverage: All 931 bird species recorded in Vietnam are covered with authoritative text on status, habitat, behaviour, geographical variation, voice, and confusion species.
• Over 1,970 Illustrations: Depicting males, females, immatures, birds in flight, and both breeding and non-breeding plumages.
• Updated Range Maps: More than 880 full-colour distribution maps for regularly occurring species and breeding subspecies, reflecting the latest data.
• Integrated Audiovisual Content: Each account includes a QR code linking to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s online resources, giving readers access to bird sounds, videos, and photographs.
• Local Names: Vietnamese bird names are included for accessibility and educational outreach.
• Taxonomic Updates: Scientific and English names revised to align with the HBW and BirdLife International Digital Checklist (Version 9, 2024).
• Conservation Status: Fully updated to reflect the most recent IUCN Red List assessments, with improved visual clarity on threatened species.

What’s New in the Second Edition?

The second edition of Birds of Vietnam is a major update from the first edition published in 2018. It incorporates the latest ornithological discoveries and presents significant content upgrades:

• New Species: Adds 13 bird species recorded in Vietnam between 2018 and 2024. Each is featured with its own detailed entry, range map, and QR code linking to multimedia resources.
• Improved Distribution Maps: Approximately 30 species now feature revised range maps reflecting new observations, breeding data, and recent fieldwork.
• Updated Nomenclature: All species and subspecies names have been reviewed.
• Expanded Species Accounts: Many texts have been rewritten or extended to improve clarity and to include recent insights on vocalisation, range shifts, and breeding behaviour.

Why Choose Birds of Vietnam?

Vietnam’s diverse habitats—ranging from coastal wetlands and rice paddies to limestone karst hills, montane forests, and tropical lowlands—offer exceptional birding opportunities. The country’s avifauna includes a broad range of endemics, sought-after laughingthrushes, forest pittas, and globally threatened species like the Vietnam Pheasant and White-throated Wren-babbler.

Birds of Vietnam stands out as the most complete and beautifully illustrated field guide dedicated to Vietnam’s birdlife. It combines scientific accuracy with practical field usability, making it an indispensable tool for birders travelling in the region, as well as for ornithologists and local conservation groups.

Designed for birders of all levels, this book is perfect for those planning a first birding trip to Vietnam, researchers needing accurate distribution data, or seasoned birdwatchers updating their field guides with the most recent discoveries. Whether you’re planning your first birding trip to Vietnam or are already familiar with its forests and wetlands, this book ensures you have the most reliable and up-to-date reference in hand.

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