Description

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Is there any bird as dishonest as the Fork-tailed Drongo? Did you know that the Tawny Eagle is an 'obligate Cainist'? And what of the irresistible-to-predators and highly cryptic Spotted Thick-knee? East Africa's birds are extraordinary in their evolution, diversity and behaviour, often proving to be the unexpected highlight of a safari. Lavishly illustrated with beautiful photographs of each species, this book tells the fascinating, surprising, amusing stories of 101 regularly encountered birds - whether iconic or unjustly overlooked. In the process, the reader is introduced to ornithology in East Africa through the eyes of a passionate birder and professional ornithologist. Filling a niche between field guide and textbook, 101 Curious Tales of East African Birds offers a wealth of information, including insights on the evolution of birds, the distributions and migrations of species, bird adaptations and senses, their lifecycle, ecology and conservation, as well as cultural and historical associates - each collated and referenced with the latest scientific papers. The author's deep understanding of this region's avifauna ensures that there is be new and engaging material for all, whether you have a general interest in wildlife or are a dedicated birder.

About the Author

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Past Chair of the Pan-African Ornithology Congress's Scientific Committee, Dr Colin Beale is a Reader in Ecology at the University of York, where he studies spatial ecology, ornithology and conservation biology, often in East Africa. With 25 years of experience living and working in East Africa, he is happiest with a cold beer in one hand, binoculars in the other and a good birding view.