A Manual of Philippine Birds

For anyone who has ever tried to identify a bird in the Philippines, the existing references have often been too bulky, too technical, or simply out of reach. This manual fills that gap with compact, field‑friendly descriptions that avoid heavy jargon while still conveying essential features. Drawing on thousands of specimens gathered by the Bureau of Science and supplemented with notes from earlier works, it offers a practical tool for naturalists working in the islands.

Each entry lists the scientific and common names, along with locally used names when reliable, and provides concise details on size, plumage, and distinguishing marks. The book also records where each species is found across the archipelago, notes on habits, nesting, and egg characteristics, and includes historical observations from early collectors. By converting older measurements to metric and carefully citing sources, the guide balances scholarly accuracy with the ease of use needed for on‑the‑ground birdwatching.