This clear, concise book offers a down-to-earth system for newcomers to the field of birding, using a proven formula that remains valid even among experienced birders. It trains the reader, step by step, in the art of observing birds, from assessing their general size and shape to pinpointing their diagnostic features, habitats and idiosyncrasies. Mastering these observation skills will help beginners use a field guide more effectively, thus launching them into the captivating world of birds and birding. The clear, concise text is supported by full-colour photographs, making this book an excellent introduction for beginners of all ages.

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’; colour 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. Colourful, to-the-point and offering quick ID pointers, this book should find a ready market among southern African birders and outdoor enthusiasts.

A comprehensive illustrated field guide to the birds of Greater Southern Africa The vast region of Greater Southern Africa—which includes Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—is home to a truly extraordinary diversity of birds. This spectacular field guide covers all of the region’s bird species—resident, breeding, migrant, and vagrant. Covers all 1,198 species recorded in the region, including details of all the plumages and races likely to be seen Features 272 color plates with more than 3,300 illustrations Includes concise species accounts that describe key identification features, racial variation, status, range, habitat, and voice Provides an up-to-date distribution map for each species

This spectacular field guide includes all resident, breeding and migrant species found in Greater Southern Africa. Comprising South Africa, Lesotho, eSwatini, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia, Greater Southern Africa is a vast region home to a truly extraordinary diversity of avifauna. The latest in the Helm Field Guide series, Birds of Greater Southern Africa describes all 1,170 regularly occurring species that are likely to be encountered in the region, from the Wandering Albatross to the Pennant-winged Nightjar. Featuring 272 colour plates by three of the world's leading bird illustrators, this practical guide also includes concise species accounts describing key identification features, status, range, habitat and voice; distribution maps for each species are also included. Fully illustrated throughout, this is an essential reference guide for anyone visiting or living in this wildlife-rich area.

On an extraordinary journey along South Africa’s coastline, this definitive guidebook explores the beauties and hidden secrets of the country’s natural heritage. Stretching for almost 2,000 miles, the country’s southern shoreline contains distinct climates that accommodate an enormously rich and diverse array of birds, mammals, reptiles, marine life, and plants. The west coast plays host to cold, nutrient-rich waters, kelp forests, and low-growing, succulent scrub along the dunes, while on the east and north coasts conditions are more tropical with higher rainfall, warmer waters, greater marine diversity, and tall, dense forests. This handbook outlines the coastline’s biodiversity from dune to ocean, developed in order to offer beach enthusiasts, vacationers, and recreational anglers a simple way to identify the plants and animals most commonly seen or caught along the coast. In addition to background information on tides and habitats, guidelines are also included for The Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative, a consumer guide to making sustainable choices. Detailed and thorough, this overview will create a deeper appreciation of what can be found on this rich and beautiful landscape.

A groundbreaking and accessible field guide to the birds of Britain and Ireland This guide is a celebration of the beauty of birds and the British and Irish countryside. Aimed at beginner and intermediate birders, yet suitable for all levels, this new volume in the groundbreaking Crossley ID Guide series is the most user-friendly guide to the birds of Britain and Ireland. Following The Crossley ID Guides' award-winning design, this book looks at all regularly occurring species in Britain and Ireland, and shows readers how to identify birds in their natural habitats using size, structure, shape, probability, and behavior—just like the experts do! Stunning images are accompanied by the colorful and compelling text of Dominic Couzens, one of Britain's leading nature writers. This unique book treats more than 300 species—all the regularly occurring birds likely to be encountered by observers--and the guide's attractive pages provide a real-life approach to bird identification. Beautiful, in-focus scenes present birds in various plumages and in lifelike poses set in identifiable British and Irish habitats. The plates also illustrate how a bird's appearance changes with distance. Organizing images in cohesive, easy-to-understand plates rather than as separate photographs, this book also sets itself apart by containing more images that demonstrate flight, behavior, habitat, and plumages than any other volume available. Not only is this field guide a reference book, it is also a spectacular teaching resource that makes it easy for nature enthusiasts to see and appreciate the big picture of bird identification. The most user-friendly guide to the birds of Britain and Ireland A close look at more than 300 regularly occurring species Award-winning Crossley ID Guide design Lifelike images of birds from near to far A celebration of the British and Irish countryside A teaching and field guide and essential reference Concise and compelling text by Dominic Couzens and Richard Crossley

Seabirds hold a special place in the hearts of birders, not least because of the challenge of getting to grips with a group of birds that is largely inaccessible, and living in an often hostile habitat. Seabirds of Southern Africa is the first book focusing exclusively on the nearly 1,000 birds that occur around the southern African coastline and adjacent Southern Ocean. The book is primarily an ID guide, but the author includes information about these birds’ fascinating biology and behaviour. The text is richly supported with photographs, as well as distribution maps for all the birds. A detailed introduction covers, among other topics, seabird origins, havens, feeding, breeding and conservation, as well as how best to watch and photograph these enigmatic birds. Here’s another authoritative, essential – first-of-its-kind – volume for birders’ libraries.