Books About Birds A guide to books about birds and birdwatching Home | Index | Search | Links | Contact


On this page

Zimbabwe

This page lists books about birds and birdwatching in Zimbabwe. The books are arranged by publication date with the most recent at the top of the page.


Africa

For bird books that cover all of Africa see:

- Africa (All)

 

Roberts Bird Guide: Illustrating Nearly 1,000 Species in Southern Africa

Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies, Ingrid Weiersbye

Jacana Publishers

2nd edition

2017

"Covering nearly 1,000 species found in southern Africa (south of the Cunene and Zambezi rivers), this 570 page revised edition of Roberts Bird Guide features stunning new artwork detailing seasonal, age and sexual differences in approximately 240 annotated colour plates, updated distribution maps based on current SABAP data, breeding and seasonality bars and concise but informative texts dealing not only with identification but aspects of biology such as food and voice. Biologically interesting photos have been placed where there is space, a first for illustrated bird guides in the region. New additions to the southern African list (post-2005) have been placed on separate plates at the back of the guide, as well as 20 illustrated species that could potentially be recorded as vagrants to the region, all recorded just north of the Zambezi and Kunene rivers."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Game Drive Birds of Southern Africa

Philip van den Berg

HPH Publishing

2016

"Game Drive Birds of Southern Africa is designed to be rewarding to birdwatchers around the world, while being particularly useful to visitors to southern Africa. While not a comprehensive guidebook, it covers the birds one may see on a regular game drive and will help readers become familiar with the 300 most common species."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


300 Easy-to-See Birds in Southern Africa

Chevonne Reynolds, Nicholas Tye

Random House Struik / SASOL

2015

"This practical, straightforward guide to some of the most commonly seen birds in southern Africa is aimed at beginner birders, or even juniors. Less daunting than a full-blown field guide, it s handy and accessible, combining simple text with clear artwork and photographs to introduce 300 of the region s easy-to-see birds. For each bird the book offers: simple text, including how to find it, identify it and understand it; color images, both illustrations and photographs; a distribution map; common English names, plus scientific, Afrikaans and other African names; average size, details of the nest and the number of eggs laid on average; interest boxes for some birds, providing extra information."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


First Field Guide to Common Birds of Southern Africa

Tracey Hawthorne

Random House Struik / SASOL

2nd edition

2015

An introductory guide to the commoner birds of Southern Africa.

book cover

The Ultimate Companion for Birding in Southern Africa

Editor: Peter Ginn, Geoff McIlleron

The Unlimited

2014

Two volumes with over 860 pages and over 1400 colour photographs.

"The most spectacular collection of Southern African bird photographs ever assembled, this visually stunning two-volume book showcases our abundant birdlife in all its stunning diversity. With more than 1400 photographs of all 960 bird species ever recorded in the region, The Ultimate Companion for Birding in Southern Africa captures the birds in their natural habitats and reveals some of their interesting and unusual behaviour. Complemented by fascinating descriptions and interesting observations from 18 of southern Africa's top birding authorities, The Ultimate Companion for Birding in Southern Africa has been put together in a unique and easy to read format that can be understood and enjoyed by anyone, bird-watcher or beginner alike."

book cover

book cover

Pocket Guide To Birds of Southern Africa

Burger Cillie and Ulrich Oberprieler

Sunbird Publishers

5th edition

2013

"To both the beginner and the experienced birdwatcher this compact guide will prove as indispensable as binoculars. Special features: Fits your pocket; Practical & user-friendly; Over 400 bird species; Excellent colour photographs; Logical grouping of birds; Concise biological information; English & Afrikaans names; Southern African bird numbers; Distribution maps according to the new bird atlas."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Sasol Checklist Of Birds of Southern Africa

Struik

5th edition

2013

"Sasol Checklist of Birds in Southern Africa is a new, updated edition of what was long a popular resource. It lists all the birds to be seen in the region and provides a simple way of recording where and when you have spotted them. Pocket-sized for ease of use, it offers: Cross-referencing to Sasol Birds of Southern Africa IV; Six columns for multiple recordings at six different localities; Up-to-date names for all southern African birds; Endemic and threat status for all birds. This revised, updated checklist will be sought after by the region's twitchers at all levels."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Zimbabwe

Paul Murray

Bradt Travel Guides

2nd edition

2013

"As political tension relaxes, wildlife enthusiasts and curious tourists are returning to Zimbabwe. With some of the finest national parks in Africa, the country is blessed with stunning landscapes and an abundance of wildlife. The mighty Zambezi River offers adventure holidays, and Victoria Falls will leave visitors breathless, while the range of birdlife draws enthusiasts year-round. Game viewing in some of Africa's greatest national parks is a rewarding experience and this guide offers in-depth information on the facilities, advice on itinerary planning as well as how to select a safari. Accommodation is covered with up-to-date information on everything from luxury safari camps to budget stays for younger travellers who arrive overland, heading for the fast flowing waters of the Zambezi gorge."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Chamberlains LBJs: The Definitive Guide to Southern Africa's Little Brown Jobs

Faansie Peacock

Netbooks

2012

"Almost a quarter of Southern Africa's bird species, and half of its endemics, are known by birdwatchers as LBJs or Little Brown Jobs. All birders experience some degree of trepidation when confronted by Ornithologicum nightmariensis. Consequently this potentially confusing group of birds is shunned by virtually all beginners and many experienced observers as well. However, LBJs include some of the region's most spectacular, thrilling, interesting, sought-after and memorable birds. In this eagerly anticipated book, four years in the making, talented author and artist Faansie Peacock shares his passion for and knowledge of LBJs. Chamberlain's LBJs will not only help you to confidently identify LBJs in the field, but also to understand and enjoy these remarkable birds."

book cover

Roberts Geographic Variation of Southern African Birds

Hugh Chittenden, David Allan, Ingrid Weiersbye

Robert's Bird Books

2012

"Roberts Geographic Variation of Southern African Birds is an illustrated version of aspects dealt with under the subject of Geographic Variation in Roberts Birds of Southern Africa 7th ed. Worldwide, this is the first field guide to attempt to comprehensively illustrate the varied plumages that are exhibited by the region's birds. Although sometimes a camouflage and defence mechanism against predation, many other factors contribute to plumage variation and it is hoped that this guide will stimulate the readers interest in this complex subject so that we can further our knowledge on various subspecies, a concept that was brought to the fore a little over 100 years ago. The colour maps (courtesy Guy Upfold), are a guide to the distribution of the subspecies; included too are the meaning of scientific names (etymology). This information, together with 105 annotated plates illustrated by the exceptional talent of Ingrid Weiersbye, makes this guide essential for both beginner, and expert birders."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


The Raptor Guide of Southern Africa

Ulrich Oberprieler

Sunbird Publishing

2nd edition

2012

A 380 page guide with over 800 colour photographs and detailed text describing distribution, behavoir, status, ecology and identification. Covers all diurnal and nocturnal raptors of Southern Africa.

book cover

Nocturnal Birds of Southern Africa

John Carlyon

Photographs: John Carlyon and Penny Meakin

2012

"Nocturnal Birds of Southern Africa brings the largely unseen world of night birds to the reader in the pages of this authoritative photographic guide, the first to cover the full spectrum of these attractive but elusive creatures in the region in detail. The 300-plus pages of this attractive and colourful hardcover book are richly illustrated with nearly 400 high-quality photographs and illustrations, most of which have not previously been published. Photography is by John Carlyon and Penny Meakin, with additional photography by several leading bird photographers. This expansive portfolio of images covers all important aspects of typical adults, nests, eggs or nestlings, juveniles and habitats for each species discussed. Text is informative and clearly written, unencumbered with technical jargon or data. Introductory chapters discuss this group of birds in general terms in the southern African context. The species accounts, covering owls, nightjars, the Bat Hawk, night herons, thick-knees and coursers as well as partially nocturnal birds in the southern African subregion, summarise current knowledge of these birds in an easily readable style."

book cover

Southern African LBJ's Made Simple

Doug Newman and Gordon King

Struik

2012

"Southern African LBJs made simple is an important new guide to the cryptic little birds that are known as 'little brown jobs' amongst birdwatchers. Using colour coding and careful design, the reader is systematically guided through the initial sorting stages: from family group, to 'visual group' within the family, and finally to the species. Illustrations with pointers show characteristic features of each species, summarised in an 'At a glance' box. Concise text describes visual clues as well as other key ID criteria, such as size, habitat, habits, call and similar-looking and -sounding birds. A distribution map shows range, and each species is linked by track number to its call on the accompanying CD. Identification depends on successfully matching a given number of the bird's features – in some cases, just a single convincing diagnostic trait. Painstakingly conceived and designed, Southern African LBJ's Made Simple will have wide appeal for serious birders and keen amateurs alike – anyone who wants to be able to tell one LBJ from another."

book cover

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa

Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey, Peter Ryan and Warwick Tarboton

Struik Nature

4th edition

2011

"Sasol Birds of Southern Africa remains the region's most comprehensively illustrated and trusted field guide. This fourth edition has been greatly improved by the addition of group introductions, calendar bars showing species' occurrence and breeding periods, a section on ‘how to use this book', as well as sonograms depicting the calls of tricky bird groups. The newly designed plates are meticulously illustrated, with labels pinpointing key differentiating features. Distribution maps show the relative abundance of a species in the region and also indicate resident or migrant status."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Birds of Southern Africa

Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey, Peter Ryan and Warwick Tarboton

Princeton Field Guides

Princeton University Press

4th edition

2011

"Birds of Southern Africa continues to be the best and most authoritative guide to the bird species of this remarkable region. This fully revised edition covers all birds found in South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and southern Mozambique. The 213 dazzling color plates depict more than 950 species and are accompanied by more than 950 color maps and detailed facing text. This edition includes new identification information on behavior and habitat, updated taxonomy, additional artwork, improved raptor and wader plates with flight images for each species, up-to-date distribution maps reflecting resident and migrant species, and calendar bars indicating occurrence throughout the year and breeding months."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Newman's Birds by Colour

Southern Africa's Common Birds Arranged by Colour

Kenneth Newman in association with Irene Bredenkamp and Phoebus Perdikis

Updated by Vanessa Newman

Struik

3rd edition

2011

"Newman's Birds By Colour remains a favourite among both younger birders and those starting out in the field. Bold colour sections group the more commonly seen birds by the dominant colour of their plumage and other distinctive features, offering users a quick and easy way to identify them. A comprehensive introduction to birds and birding includes such topics as bird classification, anatomy, flight, migration, feeding and nesting. There are helpful sections offering information on what you need to go birding, and where and when to look for birds. This third edition has been updated with the latest name changes as reflected in the commemorative edition of Newman's Birds of Southern Africa."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Southern African Wildlife

Mike Unwin

Bradt Wildlife Guides

Bradt

2nd edition

2011

"Wildlife is southern Africa's number one visitor attraction. This handy, illustrated book combines field guide and travel guide, explaining where and when to find wildlife and how to identify it. Author Mike Unwin covers everything from the 'Big Five' to dung beetles to sandgrouse, and explores the wildlife hotspots of seven countries, offering insights into animal behaviour and up-to-date conservation perspectives. From superb-value Kruger safaris to Cape Town and its vineyards to malaria-free safaris on South Africa's garden route, southern Africa has it all."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Wildlife of Southern Africa

Martin Withers and David Hosking

Princeton University Press

2011

"Highly portable, concise, and informative, this is the essential guide for identifying Southern Africa's most visible wildlife. Featuring full-color photos of more than 400 species of birds, mammals, snakes, lizards, and insects, Wildlife of Southern Africa provides a spectacular sense of what travelers can see in the major game reserves and national parks of South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and southern Mozambique. Each species in this guide is accompanied by at least one full-color photograph plus a full textual description."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Birds of Africa: South of the Sahara

Ian Sinclair and Peter Evans

Struik Nature

2nd edition

2010

"With over 2,500 photographs, the text, by Africa's top birders, this indispensable companion in the field gives identification, call, habitat, status, breeding and diet, with calendar bars showing breeding, and distribution maps. Fully revised, Birds of Africa south of the Sahara provides unrivalled coverage of African birds in a single volume, and is the first book to describe and illustrate all of the birds found in Africa south of the Sahara Desert (the Afrotropic Region), including Socotra, Pemba and islands in the Gulf of Guinea. Despite its exceptional coverage of over 2,100 species described, plus 70 vagrants, this guide is compact enough to use in the field, and follows the standard field guide format, with texts and range maps appearing opposite the color plates. Comprehensively revised to reflect changes in taxonomy. Illustrations show most distinctive plumages, diagnostic flight patterns and major geographic variants."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Newman's Birds of Southern Africa

Revised by Vanessa Newman and Faansie Peacock

Struik

10th edition

2010

"This Commemorative edition of Newman's Birds of Southern Africa at once updates a classic and pays tribute to one of the region's best loved birding authors, the late Kenneth Newman. With the support of bird expert Faansie Peacock, the author's daughter, Vanessa Newman, has thoroughly revised, updated and expanded this new edition to reflect the latest research, both in terms of text and illustrations. Covering all the birds recorded from the Antarctic to the Zambezi River, its range includes the birds from the southern seas as well as those of South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho and Mozambique. The familiar, user-friendly format of Newman's Birds uses colour coding to indicate major bird groups and, as always, large accurate paintings of each species reflect the bird as it is seen in the field, now labeled with diagnostic features. A revised introductory section takes readers step-by-step through how to use this latest edition of Newman's Birds of Southern Africa in the field."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Birds of Southern Africa

Ber Van Perlo

Princeton Illustrated Checklists

Princeton University Press

2009

"Birds of Southern Africa surpasses other field guides to the region by illustrating and describing all 1,250 bird species of South Africa, Zambia, Malawi, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. In addition, this is the only guide to illustrate the birds of Angola (including Cabinda), whose river basins and rocky hillsides are home to the striking White-headed Robin Chat and the Angolan Cave Chat. The 84 color plates group similar species and subspecies and also depict vagrants and ocean wanderers that appear in this huge region characterized by widely varying habitats, from woodlands and forests to deserts to swamps. The text directly opposite the plates concisely describes each bird's habitat and key physical, behavioral, and vocal characteristics. All the larks are shown perching as well as in flight, and every swallow is pictured in flight from below. The most distinctive immature and nonbreeding plumages are included, and distribution maps show the range and frequency of each species. This is an essential guide for any birder contemplating a trip to southern Africa."

book cover

Birds of Southern Africa

Ber Van Perlo

Collins

2009

"Southern Africa is becoming an increasingly popular destination for people who want to see first-hand the abundant widlife of this vast continent. 'Birds of Southern Africa' is the only field guide to illustrate and describe all species commonly found in South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana, Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Angola (including Cabinda). Featuring over 1,250 species, the text details the kind of habitat the birds are found in, key identification features and notes on the songs and calls of each species. The 84 colour plates appear opposite their relevant text for quick and easy reference. Distribution maps are also included for each species. Comprehensive and easy-to-use, this book is a must for all those visiting the region."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Birds of Southern Africa

Ian Sinclair

Struik

2009

"A photographic identification guide to 500 southern African bird species, this book replaces our "Photographic Guide to Birds of Southern Africa" in a more user-friendly format and covers double the number of birds. Distribution maps and an 'occurrence bar' depicting months in which the birds can be seen are added features. Emphasis is on quick identification in the field."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Roberts Bird Guide

A Comprehensive Field Guide to Over 950 Bird Species in Southern Africa

Hugh Chittenden

Jacana Publishers

2009

"A comprehensive field guide to over 950 bird species in southertn Africa. This is the first comprehensive field guide in southern Africa that gives information on food and breeding strategies. Included too, are the meaning of scientific names(Etymology) and colloquial names in 13 languages. This information, together with 166 annotated plates illustrated by seven of southern Africa's finest bird artists, makes this guide essential for both beginners and experts in the field of ornithology."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


The Complete Photographic Guide Birds of Southern Africa

Ian Sinclair and Peter Ryan

Struik Nature

2009

"A photographic field guide to the birds of southern Africa. It presents more than 2500 images showing a wide selection of age and sex plumage variations, perched and in-flight birds, and color morphs where relevant. It focuses on identification, call, status, breeding details and diet."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Birds of Southern Africa

Ian Sinclair

Pocket Guide Series

Struik

2009

"A photographic identification guide to 500 southern African bird species, this book replaces our "Photographic Guide to Birds of Southern Africa" in a more user-friendly format and covers double the number of birds. Distribution maps and an 'occurrence bar' depicting months in which the birds can be seen are added features. Emphasis is on quick identification in the field."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Pocket Guide To Birds of Southern Africa

Burger Cillie and Ulrich Oberprieler

Sunbird Publishers

4th edition

2009

"To beginner and experienced birdwatchers, this compact guide will prove as indispensable as binoculars. Special features include: fits your pocket; user-friendly; over 400 bird species listed; excellent colour photographs; colour variations indicated; concise biological information; English and Afrikaans names; Southern African bird numbers; updated distribution maps; and, quick index."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


The Raptor Guide of Southern Africa

Ulrich Oberprieler and Burger Cillie

Sunbird Publishing

1st edition

2009

"All Southern African raptors are described, both diurnal and nocturnal species in a user-friendly system of 11 groups which are colour-coded and cross-referenced. This comprehensive text emphasises field recognition, behaviour, feeding methods, breeding and the origin of the name. It includes concise information that indicates measurements, distribution, habitat preference, food and status. It features English, Afrikaans, French, German, Portuguese and scientific names. There are distribution maps that indicate abundance and migratory patterns. It contains both old and new 'Roberts numbers' that are indicated, and features over 600 excellent colour photographs to indicate males, females, juveniles, other colour variations and flight patterns. It also includes colour illustrations of all flight patterns and sonograms to interpret the calls of owls. A comprehensive section on confusing birds is included. This is a must for every birdwatcher and raptorphile."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Birdwatching in Southern Africa

Peter Ryan

Struik

2008

"Birdwatching in Southern Africa addresses questions such as what to look for when purchasing equipment, what field guides and other resources exist, and how cultivate skills in the field. In a down-to-earth, rich-in-experience style, the guide covers identification problems, aspects of sea- and nightbirding and the ways in which amateur birders help to make birds the best studied group of amimals in the world. Brief descriptions of Southern African habitats include a selection of top birding spots in each area. The guide ends with a well-compiled list of addresses and useful information for beginners and more experienced birders."

book cover

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa

P.A.R. Hockey, W.R.J. Dean and P.G. Ryan

Jacana Media

2006

"After the publication of Roberts 6, it was decided that Roberts (as it was affectionately known as) would be totally revamped. It would be produced in a larger format as a major handbook to encapsulate all current knowledge of southern African birds. The text would be comprehensive and detailed, while the plates would serve to enhance the book's appeal. The project was entrusted to the Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, and a scientific editorial committee comprising Phil Hockey (Editor in Chief), Richard Dean and Peter Ryan. To them fell the task of selecting the experts to write the texts and of overseeing the contributions of 58 co-authors, 36 of whom provided 10 or more species accounts. In addition, each text was assessed either by other authors in the team or by external referees. The 951 species included in the new Roberts was dealt with under the usual headings of a handbook, but there are a number of additional features worth noting. Although no attempt is made to fill a niche as a field guide, identification is nevertheless dealt with in detail, with special emphasis on confusing species. Other innovative aspects included are etymology, moult, population and demography, taxonomy, geographical variation and conservation issues. The distribution maps, largely based on The Atlas of Southern African Birds, are fully up to date."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Pipits of Southern Africa: The Complete Guide to Africa's Ultimate LBJ's

Faansie Peacock

Mirafra

2006

"Ask any birder and they will confirm that pipits are arguably the most challenging birds in Africa from an identification perspective. In addition, pipit taxonomy is by no means conclusive-two new species have been described in the last decade! Despite this challenging state of affairs, identification of this group is possible. In Pipits of Southern Africa, emphasis is shifted towards identification methods based largely on posture, feeding strategy, display flights, vocalizations and other non-plumage features. The book stems directly from the author's field notes (instead of from museum collections and ornithological papers alone) and it is immediately apparent that this is a book written by a birder for birders. However, despite the great care that has been taken to ensure that the book is readable and relevant, scientific technicalities are also covered in detail-Pipits of southern Africa should appeal to beginners, advanced birders and ornithologists alike. A vast amount of ink drawings are used to emphasize important points or illustrate complicated concepts, and a multitude of graphs, keys and diagrams to facilitate easy and correct identification are included. All southern African pipit species (including the recently described Kimberley and Long-tailed Pipits), are covered in detail."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Southern African Birdfinder: Where To Find 1400 Bird Species In Southern Africa And Madagascar

Callan Cohen, Claire Spottiswoode and Jonathan Rossouw

Struik / New Holland

2006

"Southern African Birdfinder: Guide to finding over 1 000 species from South Africa to Zambia, is the ideal companion to all local field guides to birds, and fills a gap in the market for a comprehensive guide to the region's top birding spots and to finding southern Africa's most desirable birds. After an introduction to birding in the southern African region, the authors identify and describe more than 200 top birding sites and associated birds across South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, the Indian Ocean islands and the little-documented, but increasingly popular areas of Angola, Mozambique, Zambia and Malawi. All sites are ranked into one of three categories of priority: essential (the region's best); excellent (top sites but expendable to a time-limited visitor) and local interest (ideal for those looking for new areas to explore). All sites include practical details of access, best times to visit, habitat diversity and general natural history. A guide to finding the region's top 100 birds and an annotated checklist conclude the book."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


The Larger Illustrated Guide to Birds of Southern Africa

Ian Sinclair and Phil Hockey

Illustrations: Norman Arlott and Peter Hayman

Struik

Second edition

2005

"This eagerly awaited new edition of The Larger Illustrated Guide to Birds of Southern Africa has been brought fully up to date with the third edition of the Field Guide to Birds of Southern Africa. The new edition incorporates the most recent information about bird taxonomy, as well as the latest bird names based on recommendations of the International Ornithological Committee. All distribution maps have been revised and feature dual shading to show relative abundance of a species in the region, as well as crosses to indicate the occurrence of vagrants. Numerous illustrations have been updated and revised where necessary. The essays on identifying problem species have also been revised and updated to bring the book in line with international birding developments."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Birds of Southern Africa

Nigel Dennis

Sunbird Publishers

Second edition

2005

"Nigel Dennis is renowned for his wildlife photography, but his birding shots are, if anything, even better. The birds featured are loosely grouped within four major divisions: Birds of Prey, Wetland Birds, Grassland Birds, and Birds of the Bush and Forest - concentrating on the most noticeable and colourful birds, as these are those which are likely to be seen and recognised. Lots of close up and larger than life shots show why Southern Africa is so popular with birders worldwide. Whether a visiting tourist or an inveterate 'twitcher', the stunning close ups will appeal to a wide spectrum of customers."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Sasol Owls and Owling in Southern Africa

Warwick Tarboton and Rudy Erasmus

Struik

2004

"his hands-on guide tells the reader where and when to look and listen for owls and how to encourage them in our gardens. The authors of this unique guide both have a passion for owls and have learnt much about them over the years of observing and photographing these shy night birds. Over 200 full-colour photographs accompanied by informative text makes this a very handy guide."

book cover

What's That Bird?: A Starter's Guide to Birds of Southern Africa

Kenneth Newman

Struik

2004

"This guide introduces the major bird families likely to be encountered throughout southern Africa by casual observers or inexperienced enthusiasts. With classic, easily interpreted illustrations and clear photographs, the book details the distinctive features of 50 families, including related birds."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Sasol Birds of Southern Africa

Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey and Warwick Tarboton

Struik Nature

3rd edition

2002

"This comprehensively revised edition of Sasol Birds of Southern Africa ensures up-to-the-minute information, latest taxonomy and an advanced technique for improved field identification. Already established as a leading field guide to birds of the region, Sasol Birds of Southern Africa has now been revised by its authors to bring it abreast of latest developments and discoveries in the birding world. The new edition incorporates the most recent information about bird taxonomy, presenting a host of recently recorded species splits and correcting previous misidentifications. New names - based on recommendations of the International Ornithological Committee - have been added, and name hyphenation updated. The checklist, reading list, family summaries, cross-references to species accounts, and societies an club details have also been updated. All distribution maps have been reviewed, and feature dual shading to show relative abundance of a species in the region, as well as crosses to indicate occurrence of vagrants. Numerous illustrations have been updated and revised and, where necessary, plates have been cleared of superfluous foliage detail."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Birds of Southern Africa

Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey and Warwick Tarboton

Princeton Field Guides

Princeton University Press

2002

"Birds of Southern Africa is the best and most authoritative guide to the birds of one of the world's most fertile birding regions. Two hundred color plates comprising over 4,000 expert illustrations help birders to distinguish all of southern Africa's approximately 950 bird species. The illustrations have labels highlighting diagnostic features, and many birds are depicted in flight as well as still. Special attention is given to plumage variation by age, sex, and season. The informative text, written by eminent ornithologists, is fully integrated with the color plates to facilitate use in the field. Detailed species accounts emphasize the essential characteristics of each bird, including information on behavior, calls, and habitat preferences. All species names and divisions are in line with the latest recommendations of the International Ornithological Committee, while well-known and local common names are also included. Both beginners and advanced birders will appreciate the regional checklist, quick reference guides, and excellent family summaries. Up-to-date distribution maps feature dual shading to indicate areas of low and high abundance, while cross-referencing is made easy with color coding and a simple numbering system."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Birds of Southern Africa

Kenneth Newman

Struik

8th edition

2002

"A field guide to birds, this title illustrates and describes fully all the birds recorded from the southern seas as well as those of South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho and Mozambique. The eighth edition has been updated to incorporate the information obtained since the previous edition relating to the birds of the region. The user-friendly design makes it ideal for use in the field, with aids such as colour-coding of major bird groups, running heads at the top of each page to indicate which family of birds is being described, large page numbers for easy reference and large accurate paintings which reflect the bird as it is seen in the field."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Practical Birding: A Guide for Birdwatchers in Southern Africa

Peter Ryan

Struik

2002

"Practical Birding addresses questions such as what to look for when purchasing equipment, what field guides and other resources exist, and how cultivate skills in the field. In a down-to-earth, rich-in-experience style, the guide covers identification problems, aspects of sea- and nightbirding and the ways in which amateur birders help to make birds the best studied group of amimals in the world. Brief descriptions of Southern African habitats include a selection of top birding spots in each area."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Essential Birding in Western South Africa: Key Routes from Cape Town to the Kalahari

Callan Cohen and Claire Spottiswoode

Struik

2001

"Western South Africa is one of the world's greatest biodiversity hotspots and is famous among international and local birders alike for the remarkable suite of birds that are found here and nowhere else. This ecotourism guide details how and where to find these species, as well as a few other ecotourism attractions such as big game, whales and flowers. Over 100 birding sites are linked into practical routes that encompass the whole of southern and western South Africa, ranging from the Cape Flora of Cape Town's mountainous environment, to the famed inland desert regions of Namaqualand and the Kalahari. The routes are well served with detailed maps and photographs illustrating the most sought after birds and their environments. Time-limited visitors are informed of exactly how to get to each of the region's most rewarding birding sites, what can be found there, and the best times and seasons to visit. Also included are practical suggestions for trip planning, seabirding expeditions, and a comprehensive annotated bird list."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


First Field Guide to Birds of Prey of Southern Africa

David Allan

Struik

1999

"These natural history guides have been developed in the hope that young people and anyone with a budding interest in natural history will take up the challenge to learn the secrets of southern Africa's fascinating fauna and flora. They are a resource for the beginner, providing information at a glance through superb photographs, maps and easy-to-read text."

book cover

Birds of Southern Africa

Nigel Dennis

Donker

1999

"Field guide to the Southern African avifauna suitable for beginners and more experienced bird watchers. It features over 400 bird species, is illustrated throughout in full-colour photographs and contains concise biological information."

book cover

The Important Bird Areas of Southern Africa

Editor: Keith N. Barnes

BirdLife South Africa

1998

"Authoritative directory identifying a network of Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Southern Africa, across a range of bird species for which a site-based approach is appropriate. Covers site selection, data presentation and IBAs in South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Sasol Birds of Southern Africa

Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey and Warwick Tarboton

Struik Nature

2nd edition

1998?

"This field guide to the birds of Southern Africa incorporates many features to allow the reader to quickly and easily identify birds and find information about them. Each species account provides the bird's common name in English and Afrikaans, its scientific name, its Roberts number and its length. To help identify species, information is provided on plumage of the male, female and immature bird, typical behaviour, voice, habitat and nests and food. To make the information more accessible, entries are colour coded, reduced bird images make finding bird groups easier and a list of bird families in alphabetical order with their page references appears inside the front cover for quick reference. Recent discoveries and reclassifications are included and the text and maps have been updated."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Guide to Owls and Owling in Southern Africa

Warwick Tarboton and Rudi Erasmus

Struik

1998

"In seven chapters Tarboton and Erasmus present each of Southern Africa's owl species. The guide tells readers where and when to look and listen for owls, what tell-tale signs to look for, how to encourage them to your garden, and where to find nests. It also discusses conservation issues regarding owls. Owls are introduced in their various aspects, and the chapters are grouped according to habitat - for example, city owls, bushveld owls, and owls that live near water."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


The Atlas of Southern African Birds

Volume 1: Introduction, Non-passerines

Volume 2: Passerines

Editor: J.A. Harrison, D.G. Allan, L.G. Underhill, M. Herremans, A.J. Tree, V. Parker and C.J. Brown

BirdLife South Africa

1997

"The atlas contains introductory chapters describing the methodology employed and providing an in-depth description of the avi-geography of southern Africa. This chapter is visually reinforced by a selection of habitat photographs, carefully chosen to be representative of the wide diversity of habitat types in southern Africa. All contributors of five or more atlas cards are acknowledged. Volume 1 (c. 900 pages) contains the introductory chapters and the non-passerines. Volume 2 (c. 700 pages) contains the passerines. 500 species receive two (or occasionally three) pages; 200 species are covered with map and text on a single page; for the 200 species that have been recorded as vagrants in southern Africa there is no map, but a fully researched paragraph of text giving details of occurrence in the region. For each species, statistics provide a convenient summary of the data and a measure of the relative abundance within the range. The species texts were written by leading ornithologists, and were carefully refereed and checked by a team of editors representing all areas of southern Africa. The texts go far beyond a verbal representation of the information in the maps and graphics, and present fresh interpretations in the light of existing knowledge. For many species, this is the longest essay ever published. In short, the texts represent building blocks towards a handbook of southern African birds. For most species, the text concludes with a considered statement on conservation issues, reflecting the conservation ethos that lies at the heart of the objectives of both the bird atlas project and its publishers, BirdLife South Africa."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover

book cover


Breeding Birds of Southern Africa

Peter Steyn

Christopher Helm

1997

"Over 700 bird species breed in southern Africa: a mixture of resident and migrant birds in a huge range of habitat. Steyn, the author of several important works on African birds, brings his extensive knowledge, gained from over 45 years of study, to the multitude of species included in this large format book. His meticulous text and excellent photographs capture the nesting strategies and courtship behaviour of over 90 groups of birds - from ostriches to buntings. The information is presented in an easily digestible form and there are charts and tables for at-a-glance reference. A key reference work."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Field Guide Birds of Southern Africa

Ian Sinclair

Struik / New Holland

1997

"This text uses colour photographs to identify more than 900 species of birds known to occur from Antarctica to the Zambezi River. The book is divided into more than 150 plates, each grouping similar birds which are often difficult to distinguish in the field. Comparative descriptions are given, drawing attention to those diagnostic or distinctive characters that make field identification easy. For each species the scientific and English and Africaans common names, length, habitat and call is given. Relative abundance within the region is indicated and whether the species is endemic or not, while maps show where the birds are likely to be found."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Southern African Birds: A Photographic Guide

Ian Sinclair and Ian Davidson

Struik

1995

A photographic guide covering 700 species.

book cover

The Illustrated Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa

Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey, W.R. Tarboton, Peter Hayman, Norman Arlott

New Holland

1993

"A comprehensive, illustrated guide to South African birds. Covering over 750 species, it describes distinctive features, plumage, behaviour, calls, songs and habitats. Each bird is depicted in typical stance, and plumage variations and birds in flight or at the nest are also shown."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Hwange Birds: A Guide To The Common Birds Of Hwange National Park

Peter Steyn

Longman Zimbabwe

1992

60 page guide to birds of the Hwange National Park.

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Birdwatch Zimbabwe

D. Solomon and J. Williams

Birds of a Feather

1991

A guide to birdswatching sites plus a checklist.

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


The Complete Book of Southern African Birds

Editors: Peter Ginn, W. Geoff McIlleron and Peter le S. Milstein

Struik Winchester

1990

"Comprehensive and stunningly illustrated book covering 900 species. The species accounts give full identification details, plus a full account of distribution and occurrence, points for field recognition, food and feeding methods, and breeding biology."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa

Ian Sinclair

Struik Winchester

1984

Covers about 900 species.

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Birds of Prey of Southern Africa: Their Identification & Life Histories

Peter Steyn

David Philip

1982

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Wankie Birds: A Guide To The Common Birds Of Wankie Game Reserve

Peter Steyn

Longman

1975

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Birds of the Lowveld

Peter Ginn

Longman

1974

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Birds of Zimbabwe and environs

Peter Ginn

Longman / National Museums and Monuments of Rhodesia

1973

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Birds of the Highveld

Peter Ginn

Longman

1972

Buy from amazon.co.uk

book cover


Birds Of The Southern Third Of Africa

African Handbook Of Birds: Series 2

C. W Mackworth-Praed, C.H.B. Grant

Longmans

1962-1963?

This series was published in two volumes, Volume 1 covers non-passerines, volume 2 covers passerines. This series is part of the 6 volume African Handbook Of Birds.

book cover

book cover



Last updated August 2017