The Birds of Ghana: An Atlas and Handbook

Ghana, although far from the largest of countries, covers three major vegetation zones:  Guinea-

Congolian rain forest in the SW quarter, Soudanian savanna dominated by woodland in the northern 

half and a transition zone between the two.  As such it is therefore an ideal country to visit if you 

want to see a wide range of birds in a relatively small area. 

For the atlas the authors have divided the country into 93 30-minute squares and all species are 

mapped on this grid, with many of the specific distribution records arising from a large amount of 

fieldwork carried out by themselves over a total of 22 months in the 2000s, although records from 

others are incorporated as well.

The 750-odd species accounts are comprehensive with notes on Distribution, Ecology, Status, 

Conservation and Breeding and there is a detailed 144-page introduction covering physical 

characteristics, vegetation, biogeography and conservation along with a comprehensive history of 

ornithological work in the country.

Those who know of the authors’ similar previous books (on Malawi and Zambia) will know what to 

expect and they will not be disappointed.  The detail and comprehensiveness are impressive; indeed 

the book makes Ghana one of the best known countries for birds in all of Africa.  It is certainly a 

birding milestone for West Africa.

Book reviewed by Peter Lack