The Birds of Japan

Rating:
Summary: Interesting, but NOT an identification guide
Review: This book is primarily a guide to the distribution of Japanese birds, and the historical record of their locations. Brazil lists every species ever seen in Japan and tells where and when it is found (by prefecture, island, or even more specific location if the bird is rare). Then he describes its habitat, nesting habits and seasons, and usually its calls. Finally, he lists the authorities who have described it and summarizes the large regions in which it has been seen.

Nowhere does he discuss the birds' appearances at all. There are six nice color plates and some excellent line drawings, but in total these show only about 100 birds, and are not planned with identification in mind in any case.

Brazil includes an amazing bibliography, totaling over 1000 entries going back to the early 1800s. The bibliography alone is worth the price of the book. In his text, however, he does not limit his citations to the bibliography but also references a large number his own personal observations and communications from other observers.

Mark Brazil is a major authority on Japanese birds, and this book is valuable in many ways. But it is in no sense an identification guide.