The definitive guide to the birds of the Emirates.

The United Arab Emirates may be small and arid, but it is an increasingly popular birding destination. Not only does it have an excellent tourist infrastructure, but it also hosts a range of species high on the wishlist of any Western Palearctic birder, such as Pharaoh Eagle Owl, Menétriés's Warbler, Crab Plover and the legendarily elusive Grey Hypocolius, along with a suite of scarce wheatears, abundant migrants in the winter, and big numbers of wintering waders, terns and gulls.

This field guide to the Emirates covers all regularly occurring birds in the region. A Gulf-centric text focuses on identification criteria, with information on habitat, vocalisations and plumage variation, along with detailed range maps. More than 100 colour plates lie opposite the text for easy reference, helping any visiting birder make the most of their trip.

Birds of the United Arab Emirates is the last word in bird identification in this small but ornithologically rich strip of the Arabian peninsula, and an essential companion for the wildlife-friendly visitor.

Simon Aspinall (1958-2011) was a birdwatcher and ecologist dedicated to conservation throughout the Middle East. Based in the UAE, Simon published extensively on natural history, especially within Arabia, and with an emphasis on birds.

Richard Porter has been involved with birds in the Middle East since 1966 and is an adviser on bird conservation for BirdLife International. He is the author or co-author of several books on the Middle East and the groundbreaking Flight Identification of European Raptors.