The Horn of Africa has the highest endemism of any region in Africa, and
around 70 species are found nowhere else in the world. Many of these are
confined to the isolated highlands of Ethiopia and Eritrea, but a large
number of larks specialise in the arid parts of Somalia and adjoining
eastern Ethiopia, whilst the island of Socotra has its own suite of
endemic species. The region is also an important migration route and
wintering site for many Palearctic birds. This is the first field guide
to the birds of this fascinating region, and a companion to Birds of
East Africa by two of the same authors. Over 200 magnificent plates by
John Gale and Brian Small illustrate every species that has ever
occurred in the five countries covered by the guide, and the succinct
text covers the key identification criteria. Special attention is paid
to the voices of the species, and over 1000 up-to-date colour
distribution maps are included. This long-awaited guide is a much-needed
addition to the literature on African birds and an essential companion
for birders visiting the region.