Newman's Birds of Southern Africa

Book excerpt: This edition of the South African classic, Newman's Birds of Southern Africa, has been revised and updated to reflect the latest research. In particular, insight into bird taxonomy based on DNA testing and other, ongoing research has led to the addition of 46 new species, including a section on larks and albatrosses, together with illustrations. The familiar, user-friendly format of Newman's birds has been retained, and subtly modernized. Colour coding of major bird groups has been retained; and at the top of each page is classified by which family of birds is being described. Large page numbers and bold, cerise numbers alongside bird illustrations make for easy cross-referencing with the appropriate text; and, as always, large, accurate paintings of each species reflect the bird as it is seen in the field. Where necessary, updated maps reflect new distribution records, which, for greater clarity of presentation, are now aligned with their species description.