Common Birds of Egypt

Basics: 1990, softcover, 54 pages, 14 color plates of 111 species, no range maps; English and Arabic

This small book is a guide to 111 (25%) of Egypt’s 430+ birds. As noted in the title, the book focuses on those birds that are more common or expected to be seen in the country. Not really a field guide, this book is an introduction to Egypt’s birds for the casual birder.

The 14 color plates do a nice job at illustrating the birds. The artistry by Sherif Baha el Din is good and is reminiscent of Mr. Bruun’s field guide “Birds of Europe” that is illustrated by Arthur Singer. Multiple illustrations are provided for many of the birds. Each plate displays 6-11 species.

The text for each bird is very, very brief. Typically just one show more sentence is offered, covering the status or habitat. For a small number of the birds, a tiny description is offered but nothing more than what is already apparent in the illustration (e.g., “Note large size and chestnut throat” is provided for the Blue-cheeked Bee-eater).

The 6-page introduction and full checklist are offered in English and Arabic. This is also true for the bird’s name and information provided across from each of the plates.

This book will be appreciated by a novice birder wanting to become acquainted with Egypt’s birds before moving on to a complete field guide.

I’ve listed several related books below…
1) A Photographic Guide to Birds of Egypt and the Middle East by Porter
2) Birds of the Middle East and North Africa by Hollom et al.
3) The Birds of North Africa, from the Canary Islands to the Red Sea by Etchecopar
4) The Birds of Egypt by Goodman
5) Egyptian Birds by Brooksbank
6) Nicoll's Birds of Egypt by Nicoll show less