This book describes the bird life of the region embracing Madagascar, the Seychelles group, the Comoros and the Mascarenes (comprising Mauritius, Reunion and Rodrigues) a region that hosts nearly 400 species, many endemic. All are fully described, giving ID features, preferred habitats, status, calls, distribution maps and full-color illustrations. The book includes useful guide-type maps and practical birding tips. The 70+ superb plates are by Norman Arlott, Hilary Burn, Peter Hayman and Ian Lewington - among the world s leading bird artists."Birds of the Indian Ocean Islands" is the comprehensive guide to the bird life of a region that embraces Madagascar, the Seychelles group, the Comoros and the Mascarenes (comprising Mauritius, Reunion and Rodrigues). Together, these magical islands and the warm surrounding ocean host a total of nearly 400 regularly encountered species, many of them endemic to the area. All bird species of the region are fully described, giving identification features, preferred habitats, current status and vocalization.Accurate distribution maps accompany all species. Full-color illustrations show diagnostic plumage features. A special chapter, incorporating useful guide-type maps, discusses the practicalities of birding in the region s main locations."