Ornithology or the study of birds is one of the few natural history subjects which has a growing following in this country, and the interest is mainly due to the books that have been written by Dr Salim Ali who possessed the rare ability, among scientists, to communicate his interest to the layman, based on a study of Indian bird life extending over four decades, Dr Salim Ali's books and research papers made him an internationally recognized authority on Indian birds, a recognition which has been amply confirmed by the honors bestowed on him by learned bodies in India and abroad and by the government of India.