Is there any bird as dishonest as the Fork-tailed Drongo? Did you know that the Tawny Eagle is an 'obligate Cainist'? And what of the irresistible-to-predators and highly cryptic Spotted Thick-knee?

East Africa's birds are extraordinary in their evolution, diversity and behaviour, often proving to be the unexpected highlight of a safari. Lavishly illustrated with beautiful photographs of each species, this book tells the fascinating, surprising, amusing stories of 101 regularly encountered birds - whether iconic or unjustly overlooked. In the process, the reader is introduced to ornithology in East Africa through the eyes of a passionate birder and professional ornithologist.

Filling a niche between field guide and textbook, 101 Curious Tales of East African Birds offers a wealth of information, including insights on the evolution of birds, the distributions and migrations of species, bird adaptations and senses, their lifecycle, ecology and conservation, as well as cultural and historical associates - each collated and referenced with the latest scientific papers. The author's deep understanding of this region's avifauna ensures that there will be new and engaging material for all, whether you have a general interest in wildlife or are a dedicated birder.

About the Author

Past Chair of the Pan-African Ornithology Congress's Scientific Committee, Colin Beale is a Professor of Ecology and Conservation Biology at the University of York, where he studies spatial ecology, ornithology and conservation biology, often in East Africa. With 25 years' experience living and working in East Africa, he is happiest with a cold beer in one hand, binoculars in the other and a good birding view.

Reviews
...finely honed essays about the interesting biology of species that you might well see if you were birding in East Africa... what an excellent book this is. -- Mark Avery, author and environmental campaigner

There is a good mix of birds featured for you to find out a wealth of curious facts about, along with two colour photos of each species. Very enjoyable.

-- John Miles, birdwatching.co.uk

Fascinating... The text is written in such a way that sometimes-complicated science is presented in a clear, concise and consumable way, while the inclusion of the beautiful photographs and sheer variety of topics covered means this title will appeal to many.

-- Stephen Menzie * British Birds *

This book is informative, relevant and interesting, and the text is engaging on subjects that some readers may not already be familiar with.

-- Keith Betton * IBIS *



Book Information
ISBN 9781784272913
Author Colin Beale
Format Paperback
Page Count 224
Imprint Pelagic Publishing
Publisher Pelagic Publishing
Weight(grams) 585g