Newman's birds of southern Africa

by Kenneth Newman

This field guide illustrates and describes all the birds recorded from the Antarctic to the Zambezi. Its range includes the birds of the southern seas, as well as those of Southern Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho and Mozambique.

Genres: Birds, Africa, Travel, Nonfiction, Natural History, Nature, Field Guides

510 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1983

Reviews

[Ross Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This commemorative tenth edition celebrates the contribution of the late author, Kenneth Newman, fully revised and updated by his daughter, Vanessa Newman, to reflect the latest research, taxonomy and common names. Newman's Birds of Southern Africa, a leading field guide in the region, illustrates and fully describes all the birds recorded from the Antarctic to the Zambezi River. The familiar, user-friendly format of Newman's Birds has been subtly modernized for a fresh look, and plate annotations have been added to the large, accurate paintings of each species, in line with modern trends.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

It would be impossible for me to write an unbiased review of this book. It is too close to my heart; too big a part of my life. It was my very first field guide. I was eight years old when I bought my own copy. I had been saving my pocket money for ages. Since then, it has been my faithful companion for more than a decade. As a child, I lay in bed many a night and looked at plate after plate of birds, then imagined the day I'd get to see each in its natural habitat. Its covers are dog-eared from its many journeys in my backpack. Even though it is quite out of date by now and long overdue for retirement, I still carry it with me whenever I go birding. Sentimental attachment, I guess.

Simple enough to be understood and enjoyed by a child, but detailed enough to be a valuable companion to even the most avid twitcher. The illustrations were and are and will always be a feast for the eyes. This book is a work of art as much as anything else. A true masterpiece.

[Sheri Fresonke Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was our backup resource when we went to South Africa. Many of the paintings are very good. The larger size of the volume makes it awkward to carry into the field. The coolest feature is the color coding of sections so that you can find specific bird groups quickly. Maps are with the descriptions

[Jeannette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book while on Safari at Kirkman's Camp Sabi Sabi and loved the detailed descriptions that enabled me to follow mani of Jo Burgs bird species. A great and helpful book.