Basics: 2006, 1st edition, softcover, 296 pages, 7 color plates, 100+ b&w illustrations, range maps for each bird; US$45

This is an excellent piece of work. I was anxious to receive this book when I first read the brief descriptions of its contents. Upon opening the book, I was immediately thrilled to see the obvious depth of knowledge and experience documented by the author.

Although this could be categorized as a field guide, the vast amount of information is best examined in advance of your birding trip or digested at home after the day is over to help discern which of the difficult-to-identify pipits was causing you frustration.

The extensive detail -- both useful and clear -- remind me of the books "Guide to the Identification and Ageing of Holarctic Waders" by Prater and "Pipits and Wagtails" by Alstrom/ Mild.

Each species of pipit has 7-14 pages dedicated to its identification -- which can be very extensive -- along with structure, description of gender and ages, behavior, vocalizations, displays, distribution, habitat, status, and geographic variations. Each bird is also accompanied by one or two modest range maps. Given the size and geography of southern Africa, these range maps would have benefitted with a little more detail. However, this small slight is the worst of the critiques I can offer on this extraordinary book.

The seven color plates of the 16 species are of good artistic quality with good color reproduction. I especially like the many ID tips written next to each bird with its respective arrow pointing at the target feature. I've never seen this method used to such extent in any other book. This is a very positive feature.

Perhaps my favorite aspect of this book is the multitude of black-and-white drawings (by the author) found on nearly every turn of the page. He illustrates and focuses on small, but pivotal ID characteristics such as bill structure/color, tail patterns, edging color of back or rump feathers, or secondary covert comparisons between ages. He also diagrams very well the behavioral aspects of flight patterns or tail motions.

It is readily apparent the author has an extensive mental database on the identification of pipits. He succeeds in sharing this information with the avid birder. I would love to see this same approach -- and talent -- put to use on other difficult bird groups such as Empidonax flycatchers of the US or Calidris shorebirds. One of my next tasks is to find and purchase anything else this author may have published.

Other Related Books:
1) Pipits and Wagtails by Alstrom and Mild ( )