Garden Birds in Southern Africa

Title: Garden Birds in Southern Africa
Author: Duncan Butchart
Publisher: Penguin Random House South Africa
Imprint: Struik Nature
Cape Town, South Africa 2017
ISBN 9781775844747 / ISBN 978-1-77584-474-7
Softcover, 18 x 22 cm, 192 pages, throughout colour photographs

About: Garden Birds in Southern Africa

Birds will be attracted to your garden if you provide them with the foods they have evolved to eat and the sorts of habitat to which they are adai 'ou need a good understanding of the climate and natural vegetation of the region in which you stay. Birds are probably the most conspicuous and lively of all animals. Some are highly sensitive and survive only in the most pristine environments, but many are adaptable and confiding and live alongside us in towns and cities. A great many people get turned on to birding by seeing birds close-up, outside their windows, sometimes enjoying food that has been specially provided. This is often the first step in appreciating nature as a whole and being part of a greater movement to conserve biodiversity. In some cases, it might also be the first step in a lifelong journey that can take you around the world, seeking out different, wonderful birds in distant countries. Garden Birds in Southern Africa profiles 101 garden birds likely to be found in gardens across southern Africa, informing readers about what to look and listen for, and where and when.

Content: Garden Birds in Southern Africa

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
AUTHOR'S NOTE
FOREWORD
INTRODUCTION
Bird-friendly gardening
The climate and biomes of southern Africa
THE GARDEN
Creating garden habitats
Providing water
Providing food
Providing nest sites
Dangers facing garden birds
THE BIRDS
Watching birds
Bird anatomy
Bird calls
Feeding behaviour
Breeding behaviour
Seasonal migration
101 GARDEN BIRDS
Bird species
Extraordinary and unusual garden visitors
THE PLANTS
Choosing and placing plants
50 bird-friendly trees, shrubs and climbers
Proteas and other fynbos plants
Aloes
Decorative plants
Grasses
Invasive alien plants
BIRDS IN BOTANICAL GARDENS
USEFUL RESOURCES
REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING
GLOSSARY
INDEXES