Phillip A. Clancey (1917–2001)

Basics: 1996, softcover, 329 pages, 49 color plates of 50 species, 680 species discussed, 39 distribution maps

Offering a complete listing of southern Mozambique’s birds, this book is a thick annotated list to document the species in this part of the country. This book is not a field guide. Instead, it is a reference to the status, distribution, and historical records on the country’s birds. Brief reference is given to the timing of their breeding.

One paragraph each, ranging from 1/4 to 1/2 a page, focuses on the status and historical accounts of where the birds have been documented. Many geographic localities are given to help describe the bird’s distribution. These locations are not given as suggestions on where to find the bird, but to outline the boundaries of the bird’s range within the country. A solid effort is given to the various subspecies of the birds.

A smattering of range maps are provided for 55 of the species. Shown in 39 maps, the birds are denoted by small circles or triangles.

There is no information given on the descriptions or identification of the birds. That is not the intent of this book. Instead, 49 color plates showing 50 species are provided as a colorful addition. These full-page illustrations are of good quality and offer a nice selection of interesting birds.

This book will be of interest to ornithologists looking for a more data-focused reference to add to their library of southern African birds. It probably will not be of much use to the vacationing birder.

I've listed several related books below...
1) The Atlas of the Birds of Sul Do Save, Southern Mozambique by Parker
2) Illustrated Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa by Sinclair/Hockey/Tarboton
3) Roberts Bird Guide: A Comprehensive Field Guide Southern Africa by Chittenden
4) Ian Sinclair's Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa by Sinclair
5) Newman's Birds of Southern Africa by Newman
6) Complete Book of Southern African Birds by Ginn/McIlleron/Milstein
7) Southern African Birds: A Photographic Guide by Sinclair/Davidson
8) Larger Illustrated Guide to Birds of Southern Africa by Arlott… (meer)