Birds of Ghana (Helm Identification Guides)

As Ghana is possibly the most accessible of the western African countries, it has become a favourite destination for visiting wildlife tourists wishing to supplement their species-lists from the more popular eastern side of the continent. Until recently, you would have gone prepared with a copy of the excellent Birds of Western Africa, by the same authors, which is now 10 years old. Whilst an excellent reference, this book could prove confusing as it contains many (often very similar) species not found in the area in which you are travelling. Now you have a conveniently sized country-specific guide.

The quality of the illustrations is generally high – most of which have been taken from the earlier volume – although some, especially the perched small raptors, appear rather large-headed and out of proportion. The distribution maps are displayed opposite the plates, helping the identification process further, and the brief text highlights the most salient identification characters.

Book reviewed by Su Gough