Indian Sporting Birds

Frank Finn, Indian Sporting Birds, Calcutta: Thacker, 1915

280 pages including 103 full-page beautifully coloured plates of birds; original boards
10.2 x 6.6 in (26 x 17 cm)

A masterpiece of ornithological literature, Indian Sporting Birds by Frank Finn is an essential guide to the game birds of India, Burma, and Ceylon. First published in 1915 by Thacker, Spink & Co., Calcutta, this book remains a significant reference for ornithologists, hunters, and nature enthusiasts alike.

Drawing upon his vast experience as Deputy Superintendent of the Indian Museum in Calcutta (1895–1903), Frank Finn provides a meticulous study of India’s avian wildlife, specifically focusing on species prized for sport and game hunting. This work covers a diverse range of birds, including pheasants, quails, partridges, peafowls, and waterfowl, offering insights into their habitats, behaviors, and distinct characteristics.

The book is richly illustrated with over 100 exquisite plates, primarily sourced from the authoritative Game-Birds of India, Burma, and Ceylon by Allan Octavian Hume and C H T Marshall. These vivid illustrations bring to life the stunning diversity of Indian game birds, making the volume both an artistic and scientific treasure.

Finn’s writing balances scientific rigor with engaging storytelling, making Indian Sporting Birds accessible to both professional ornithologists and lay readers. His observations, drawn from personal experience and historical sources, provide a fascinating glimpse into the birdlife of colonial India, capturing an era when hunting was both a sport and a means of sustenance.

Now regarded as a classic in the field, this book serves as a valuable historical document, reflecting early 20th-century perspectives on conservation, field sports, and Indian ecology. Whether you are a birdwatcher, a historian, or a lover of vintage natural history books, Indian Sporting Birds remains an enduring and informative read.

NON-EXPORTABLE

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