First Field Guide to Birds of Prey of Southern Africa, by David Allan

First Field Guide to Birds of Prey of Southern Africa, by David Allan. Penguin Random House South Africa (Pty) Ltd. Imprint: Struik Nature. 2nd edition. Cape Town, South Africa 2015. ISBN 9781775843832 / ISBN 978-1-77584-383-2

First Field Guide to Birds of Prey of Southern Africa, by David Allan. Penguin Random House South Africa (Pty) Ltd. Imprint: Struik Nature. 2nd edition. Cape Town, South Africa 2015. ISBN 9781775843832 / ISBN 978-1-77584-383-2

First Field Guide to Birds of Prey of Southern Africa provides fascinating insight into the birdlife of the region.

How to use the First Field Guide to Birds of Prey of Southern Africa

Each species account begins with the English name by which the raptor is known in southern Africa. These have been updated in accordance with recommendations by an international committee. The scientific name by which the bird is known throughout the world is also given (in italics). Each species account is split up into several headings, listed below.

African names: The Afrikaans (A), Xhosa (X) and Zulu (Z) names of each species, where available.

Average size: The following size classes are used based on the stretched-out length of the bird from the tip of the beak to the tip of the tail: Very large: bigger than 75 cm, Large: 60-75 cm, Medium-sized: 44-59 cm, Small: 28-43 cm, and Very small: smaller than 28 cm. Also given is the wingspan (the measurement from wingtip to wingtip with wings outstretched). Female raptors nearly always have a greater wingspan than do males. Use the ruler that appears on the outside back cover to get an idea of how big each bird is.

Identification: The key features to be looked for in identifying the adults, immatures and, where relevant, the various colour forms of each species.

Where found: The environment in which the raptor lives and the parts of southern Africa in which it is distributed. The distribution map accompanying each species account shows the southern African range.

Habits: Interesting details of the bird's behaviour, for example whether it is usually found alone or in flocks, that may help in identifying it.

Nesting: The time of year the bird breeds, the place where it builds its nest, the number and appearance of its eggs, its incubation and fledgling periods, and any other interesting aspects of its nesting habits and behaviour.

Status: How common the bird is and whether it is resident in its range or a migrant6. Also identified are species that are threatened with extinction and endemic species.

Food: The main prey that are taken and hunting techniques.

Similar species: Other species with which adults may be confused and the key distinguishing features of those species.

This is an excerpt from First Field Guide to Birds of Prey of Southern Africa, by David Allan.

Title: First Field Guide to Birds of Prey of Southern Africa
Author: David Allan
Genre: Bird Guide
Publisher: Penguin Random House South Africa (Pty) Ltd.
Imprint: Struik Nature
2nd edition. Cape Town, South Africa 2015
ISBN 9781775843832 / ISBN 978-1-77584-383-2
Paperback, 11 x 17 cm, 56 pages, throughout colour photos

Allan, David im Namibiana-Buchangebot

First Field Guide to Birds of Prey of Southern Africa

First Field Guide to Birds of Prey of Southern Africa

First Field Guide to Birds of Prey of Southern Africa covers 46 of the commonest species.