The Beat about the Bush series answers all those everyday questions that are prompted by visits to the bush. It fills the gap in existing literature and field guides alike, the text is full of detail and is complemented by more than 900 full-colour photographs. It delves into the fascinating lives of birds - discussing in detail their myriad forms, survival strategies, breeding and feeding behaviours, movements, migrations and vocalisations. The result is a comprehensive reference work in a style that appeals to novices, birders, twitchers, tourists, bush enthusiast and field guides alike. Full colour throughout, 768pp, SOUTH AFRICA. JACANA MEDIA.

Describes and illustrates all of the birds found in Africa south of the Sahara, including Socotra, Pemba and the islands in the Gulf of Guinea. The illustrations portray the most distinctive plumages, as well as diagnostic flight patterns and major geographic variants. Illustrated in colour with maps and diagrams. Index, 760pp, gloss, SOUTH AFRICA. STRUIK.

2003 1868728579 Paperback

The final volume in the Birds of Africa series looking at Africa's rich avifauna. Volume VII treats the remainder of the passerine families of Africa and various offshore islands, covering the sparrows, weavers, whydahs, waxbills, finches and buntings. Includes an exhaustively researched and referenced text with data on identification, ecology, distribution, behaviour and status of the species covered. Illustrated with colour identification plates and line drawings. 688pp, UK. CHRISTOPHER HELM.

only field guide to feature over 450 species found in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia and Somalia (including Socotra Island). Including full colour illustrations of each bird, key features on habitat, songs and calls, and distribution maps for each species, this guide contains all the information needed to quickly identify the birds found in this vast region. 304pp, UK. COLLINS

The Horn of Africa has the highest endemism of any region in Africa, and around 70 species are found nowhere else in the world. This is the first field guide to the birds of this fascinating region, and a companion to BIRDS OF EAST AFRICA by two of the same authors. Over 200 magnificent plates by John Gale and Brian Small illustrate every species that has ever occurred in the five countries covered by the guide, and the succinct text covers the key identification criteria. 496pp, UK. CHRISTOPHER HELM.

Coverage of 1,258 species found in the region, covering 23 countries. Over 3,000 col ill, col distribution maps for over 1,100 species. 832pp, UK. CHRISTOPHER HELM.

Illustrates and describes all species of bird in western and central Africa. Features over 1,500 species. Col ill, maps, app, index, 384pp, UK. HARPERCOLLINS.

2002 0002201186 Paperback

This is the first comprehensive field guide dealing exclusively with the birds of this spetacular region. It covers all resident, migrant and vagrant species found in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. Over 1300 species are illustrated with full details all the plumages and major races likely to be encountered. Concise text describes identification, status, range, habits and voice with range maps for each species. 604pp, UK. CHRISTOPHER HELM.

Covers the area of the Gambia, a country which is very popular with a large number of birders. The Gambia shelters many migrants from the Western Palearctic, from September to April, as well as having a significant list of resident West African birds. The guide also covers Senegal, which almost entirely surrounds The Gambia. The colour plates depict 570 species - virtually every species recorded in The Gambia - and the text covers every species on the Senegambian list, as well as a few which are likely to turn up in the future. In total, over 660 species are described in the book. 408pp, UK. PICA PRESS.

Covers all 1089 bird species known from the region, including vagrants. This book combines the format and detailed treatment of the larger version with the convenience of a field guide. All the species are illustrated with full details of all the plumages and major races likely to be encountered. Concise text describes identification, status, range, habits and voice with range maps for nearly every species. 576pp, UK. CHRISTOPHER HELM.

Includes 242 species illustrated in colour, 26 of which are endemics. Extended accounts of the 66 breeding species include breeding biology, origins and threats, and conservation. Introduction includes information on the island's geography, climate and birdwatching sites. 53 colour plates, maps, line drawings, 320pp, UK. CHRISTOPHER HELM.

A comprehensive field guide to the birds of 23 Western African countries including all island groups. Illustrated with 148 colour plates facing concise text allowing for rapid reference. Includes colour maps. Index, refs, 511pp, UK. CHRISTOPHER HELM.

This is the first regional field guide on the continent of Africa to display multi-coloured distribution maps. The breeding bards that are conveniently placed below the distribution maps show the full breeding season, and peak breeding for all species. This is the first comprehensive field guide on 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. 456pp, SOUTH AFRICA. JACANA.

An engaging introduction to the birds of southern Africa and their identification, grouping related species together in order to make preliminary identification easier. Many of the birds described can be spotted in day to day travelling. Also includes a list of difficult to find and difficult to identify birds. Illustrated with colour drawings and detailed descriptions. Index, 136pp, SOUTH AFRICA. STRUIK.

A guide to bird watching covering the whole continent, Madagascar, the Indian Ocean and Atlantic Ocean islands, including Tristan da Cunha, St Helena, and the Comoros. Describes over 200 sites in detail. Arranged geographically by country and includes an index by species, 100 maps and 51 line drawings. 432pp, UK. CHRISTOPHER HELM.

1995 0691070474 Paperback