Birds of East Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi

This is a second edition of a field guide which appeared in 2002. Superficially it looks like many other second editions but a closer look shows that this is a major revamp and updating. It covers all of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi and at least mentions all the species which have occurred in these countries with almost all of them illustrated. The guide covers 1,448 species which is an increase of 60 on the first edition and they are covered on 289 plates (286 previously). A few of the extras are simply new vagrants which have been recorded but the majority are the result of taxonomic changes. There are a very few differences but primarily the authors follow the HBW/Birdlife species list. However, unlike previously, the races which occur are spelt out in every case and those which are considered species by the IOC list are highlighted as such and illustrated.

As with all Field Guides it is the species accounts which are the most important part. All the texts and maps have been updated where required but it is the plates where the changes are most obvious. The order of families is retained from the earlier edition (despite a fair number of changes in most newer taxonomies) but the arrangement of images on many of the plates is changed. This is not least to accommodate some extra images of some species and the addition (split) of various forms, but some have simply been redrawn from scratch.  Furthermore Norman Arlott has been dropped as an illustrator and so about 40 plates have been replaced by the remaining two, John Gale and Brian Small.

There is a short introduction (11 pages including a map) and at the end are lists of endemic species and of threatened species, followed by a list and map of the 193 Important Bird Areas in the five countries. The single index now combines Scientific and Vernacular names.

Overall this feels like a new book and as such travellers to East Africa (when we are allowed to again!) will need to get it. I am well aware that some people prefer just to be electronic. Digital guides certainly have their advantages especially for identifying songs and calls but many still prefer the printed versions.

Book reviewed by Peter Lack

buy this book

---