andrewt@cluster.cs.su.oz.au (Andrew Taylor) (02/27/91)
I recently bought "Guide to The Birds of Madagscar" by Olivier Langrand. I thought a short review may be of interest, particularly for TV-listers dying to know if that was Pollen's Vanga or Tylas Vanga they glimpsed as they watched "Lenny the Lemur get Laid". Madagscar has 105 endemic birds with another 25 more limited to Madagascar and surrounding islands. Three families are endemic to Madagascar and two more are limited to Madagascar + surounding islands. Unfortunately more than a few of these are endangered. One, the Snail-Eating Coua, is presumed extinct several others may not see the next century. This makes a new field guide very interesting. I like complete reference books and this made GTBM very pleasing. Some chapter headings are: Overview of the Natural Habitats of Madagascar The Avifauna of Madagascar Analysis of The Bird Community Recommended Sites for Observing the Avifauna of Madagascar Potential Species in the Vicinity of the Coast of Madagascar Taxonomic List of Scientific English and French Names Guide to the Birds of Madagascar Alphabetical and Etymological Key to Malagasy names All 256 Madagascar birds are described and illustrated The plates look good. The seabird and raptors in flight plates maybe so-so but the (important) passerine plates look excellent. Opposite each plate is a mostly-blank page naming the birds. I wish the maps were put there. At 365 pages the hardcover edition is uncomfortably large for travellers. More economic layout could have reduced the size somewhat. I hope to visit Madagascar as part of an extended trip but I think only photocopied excerpts will fit in my luggage. Its published by Yale University Press (1990). It cost me roughly US$60 ere. A thorough book about a very interesting country for birds. Andrew Taylor