Birds of Botswana

If you are intending to go to Botswana, take this book. The species will be covered in other guides too, but being specific to one country all those not occurring there are ignored. The nearly 600 species recorded to the end of 2014 are included with a few later ones at the end.

The use of any field guide is determined largely by the quality of the plates. This one certainly passes muster on that front. They are far from being cluttered and for those species for which they are needed there are multiple images. Text includes identification, calls, status, abundance, habitat, habits and a bar showing breeding seasons, not to mention maps showing occurrence, migratory status and relative abundance within the country.  It thus contains rather more information than many simple field guides. The introductory parts cover habitats and sites to go to, albeit these are brief.

Overall impression excellent therefore.

Book reviewed by Peter Lack