Part of the Treatise on rhythm, colour and ornithology written in French by Olivier Messiaen, this volume is the second of the Tome V. While the whole Tome V talks about the different bird songs, their analysis and how the composer uses them in his works, this volume focuses on the Extra- European bird songs.

This treatise depicts the full theory behind Messiaens compositions and how he composed the music, including his conception of rhythms, his incorporation of bird songs and his relation to sound and colours.

While most of the composers struggle to explain their composition, Messiaen has managed to write a Treatise in 7 volumes to explain all the important aspects of his work.