The most comprehensive single-volume handbook on the African continent.
Austin Roberts’ The Birds of South Africa was first published in 1940 and has been in print ever since. In a remarkable publishing history spanning nearly 70 years, this book has been revised several times and has embraced no fewer than 6 editions and numerous impressions. To date the number of sales of this much-loved work make it one of South Africa’s most successful ongoing book ventures in the natural history genre.
After the publication of Roberts 6, it was decided that Roberts (as it was affectionately known) would be totally revamped. This current Roberts VIIth edition has been produced as a major fully comprehensive and illustrated handbook encapsulating all current knowledge of southern African birds.
A scientific editorial committee comprising of Phil Hockey (Editor-in-Chief), Peter Ryan and Richard Dean, all professional ornithologists and the former two from the distinguished Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, led the initial process of author selection. 61 experts have been involved in the compilation of the 951 species accounts, each contribution quality-assessed and peer-reviewed.
Additional to the usual headings in a handbook the volume boasts extra features such as – detailed identification which includes comparison with similar-looking likely-confusing species. Further notable aspects included are etymology, moult, population and demography, taxonomy, geographical variation and conservation issues. The distribution maps, largely based on the Atlas of Southern African Birds, are fully up to date. Full references are given so that the source of all information may be traced. Roberts VIIth edition reflects the latest research leading to revised taxonomic order, and implements the new common names established by the International Ornithological Committee.
The inclusion of 80 bold large colour plates especially commissioned from South Africa’s leading bird illustrators further enhances this magnificent publication.
325 × 235 × 78 mm
9780620340533
2016
Natural history
Hard cover with dust jacket
1296 pages
Phil Hockey(late) – Associate Professor and Editor-in-chief. An expert on southern African birds having published more than 120 scientific papers, as well as having authored or co-authored various articles and several books, including a best-seller field-guide, and the monologue “Waders of Southern Africa”. He travels globally in his specialist research on shorebird ecology and migratory behaviour. A contributing author
Richard Dean (late) – Research officer working extensively in southern Africa. Worked for Transvaal Nature Conservation stationed at Barberspan 1974-1978, and was Officer-in-charge at Nylsvley Nature Reserve 1979-1982. Currently editor of the ornithological journal “Ostrich”. His research includes plant-animal interactions and birds of the arid zones, with focus on the Karoo. A contributing author
Peter Ryan — senior lecturer running the MSc course in Conservation Biology. He has written or co-authored more than 130 scientific papers plus numerous semi-popular articles. A co-author of ‘Field Guide to the Birds of sub-Saharan Africa ‘, his main focus of research currently is biology and conservation of Sea-birds, and evolution within African birds. A contributing author