The latest edition includes key information about birds in Hong Kong and adjoining areas of South China. Today, the book is used as an educational tool in schools throughout Vietnam to promote birdwatching and to encourage an interest in the natural environment.

New edition takes two years

When the authors first realised no colour field guide to birds existed, they developed their own. The original edition took almost two years to prepare.

"In 1975 there was no fully illustrated guide to the birds of Hong Kong, so I was commissioned by the Hong Kong Government to write one," Mr Viney said.

"Although there are general field guides to the birds of China, there are no guides that focus on the birds of South China, and especially Hong Kong."

Mr Viney told news.gov.hk that more than 30 years since he started the project, he has always kept records and information up-to-date to be prepared for the next edition.

"Nevertheless, the eighth edition took two years to compile, mostly due to the commissioning of an almost entirely new set of paintings and the complete coverage of the birds of South China."

Birds' species changed

It has been 11 years since the last major revision and first translation of the book was published. During that period the information about local birds has changed immensely.

The number of birds' species in the world has risen 10% in the last decade, not so much due to discovery, but to redefinition.

"In 2001, the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society published The Avifauna of Hong Kong, which amended some birds' information in certain areas. And our book's principal textual change is the alignment with The Avifauna in terms of names and status," Mr Lam said.

Book's artwork constantly revised

Ms Phillipps was responsible for the artwork in the book. She has been researching and painting the birds of China since her arrival in Hong Kong in 1972.

To keep the information current, Ms Phillipps has done much research and painting, and has amended more than 80 plates used in printing.

"All plates used in previous editions have been carefully reviewed, updated and when necessary repainted. The new edition includes many new paintings and now fully illustrates all bird species occurring in South China," she said.

China has opened its doors to ecotourists and there is now a strong demand for a field guide to all of the birds of southern China.

"Like Hong Kong, birdwatching is becoming a popular pastime in China and this reasonably priced book provides the key to identifying all of the birds that occur in the region," Mr Viney added.

South China has a wealth of birds but with the region's rapid development, the areas where a variety of birds occur are becoming oases in a changing countryside. This book will alert everyone to the avian treasures that China possesses.

Experts' enthusiasm infectious

Mr Lam was responsible for translating the book's text, and he hopes the book will attract more people to the birdwatching hobby.

As Chairman of the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society since 1997, and its President last year, Mr Lam actively promotes birdwatching activities.

Mr Viney shares his enthusiasm. "Hong Kong is an area teeming with new birds to study and enjoy. It costs little to watch birds. They are everywhere and add an exciting dimension to our lives."

Order now

The book, published by the Information Services Department, is now available at leading local bookshops and the Online Government Bookstore. It can also be purchased from the department's Publications Sales Unit in Room 402, 4/F Murray Building, Garden Road, Central.

Orders can be made by calling 2537 1910, faxing a request to 2523 7195 or emailing puborder@isd.gov.hk. To download the order forms, click here.