Read our interview with Norman Arlott.
*We have a very limited number of bookplates signed by Norman for this edition, available while stocks last
For the first time, the complete collection of the Collins Field Guides’ incredibly detailed, accurate and beautiful bird paintings has been brought together in one comprehensive volume.
This all-encompassing new guide is an extraordinary addition to the world-renowned series – the ultimate reference book for birdwatchers and bird lovers. It covers every species of the world’s birds – all 10,711 species are featured covering the complete International Ornithological Union Checklist of Birds of the World.
With a total of 301 full-colour plates this is a visual feast, as well as an authoritative resource. It illustrates all male breeding plumages, and females if significantly different, for every species, alongside concise text covering defining identification characteristics, distribution and voice. Illustrated by the world’s leading bird artists: Norman Arlott, Ber van Perlo, Gustavo Carrizo, Aldo A. Chiappe, Luis Huber and Jorge R. Rodriguez Mata.
Wildlife artist Norman Arlott has illustrated nearly 200 books and his artwork regularly appears in magazines. He has designed special bird stamp issues for countries including Jamaica, Bahamas, Seychelles, British Virgin Islands, The Gambia, Malawi and Christmas Island. He has also led ornithology tours to East Africa.
"[...] The very large majority of the illustrations come from artwork that was originally produced for one of the Collins field guides, painted largely by the principal illustrators, but also by others. The fact that they are drawn from high-quality published works attests to their quality. [...]"
– Christopher Perrins, Ibis, August 2021
"'A superb piece of work, packaged and produced with typically lofty Collins standards. It really does look the part, having been so thoughtfully put together, and it oozes authority and class. It is a hugely impressive book [...] The plates are a joy to behold. Little space is spared, with each packed to the rafters with depictions of every species covered – in many cases twice, where sexes differ sufficiently to merit recognition. They feel busy yet not chaotic; each has been carefully constructed so as not to inhibit identification of the species shown, nor detract from their overall impact "
– Josh Jones, Bird Guides