A nine-page introduction is followed by 180 colour plates, each with an accompanying text page giving brief identification notes, and, for most species, range maps.

In addition to the 69 plates by Anderton, eleven other artists contributed, including Ian Lewington and Bill Zetterström.

Twelve other authors are listed as having contributed to this volume, including Per Alström, Nigel Collar and Craig Robson.

This volume opens with an appreciation, written by Bruce Beehler, of S. Dillon Ripley, who initiated the work which led to the book, and after whom it is named.

Volume 1 features crimson-backed flameback, stork-billed kingfisher, Indian eagle-owl, black-and-orange flycatcher and Himalayan quail on its front cover.