Gamebirds of Southern Africa

Struik, Cape Town
Rob Little, Tim Crowe and Simon Barlow

Francolin, guineafowl, quail and sandgrouse - these are Africa's 'gamebirds' - so named for their role in the sport and diet of mankind. Since our earliest beginnings, fowl such as these have been the easiest to catch or keep and the most palatable. Along with grouse, turkey and the Indian junglefowl (from which domestic fowl are derived) these birds are familiar to just about everyone, and they have been the subject matter for artists throughout the ages; this fine book continues that tradition.

At first glance, francolin and quail appear to be rather drab, brownish birds but when closely observed, the true beauty of their subtle but intricate plumage becomes apparent. It is this beauty which has attracted the attention of talented Zimbabwean artist Simon Barlow who (although relegated to third billing on the book's dust-jacket) was the driving force behind the creation of this book.

Twenty one species are featured - from the ubiquitous Helmeted Guineafowl and Crested Francolin, to the elusive African Blue Quail and the four varieties of sandgrouse - with a striking full colour plate of the bird in its natural habitat, field sketches, and up to date text by ornithologists Rob Little and Tim Crowe. The plates are quite startling in their photo-realism and, in this regard, are something of a departure from the work we've become accustomed to in other recent bird family monographs where the subjects appear with little or no background. The Red-billed Francolin foraging among fallen Ilala Palm leaves will transport the reader right back to the Okavango Delta, and anyone who has traversed the highland pass at Verloerenvlei near Dullstroom, will feel the chill morning air when looking at the plate of the Redwing Francolin. Such detailed, representational work is not everyone's idea of great art, but the authenticity (founded on three years of research and travelling on the part of the artist) is most appropriate in this format and certainly provides an indication of the birds' character as well as its appearance.

The text for each of the 21 species is rather brief, but succeeds in providing a good overview of what is known about these birds, including their conservation status and role in sustainable sport shooting. Many gamebirds are highly specific in their ecological requirements, so are good indicators of pristine habitats; controlled harvesting by gamebird hunters can play an important role in monitoring populations and effectively conserving such key habitats. The old debate of whether a francolin is a francolin, or a partridge or a spurfowl returns, but common names here seem to be in line with the new proposals forwarded by the editors of the forthcoming Roberts Birds of Southern Africa.

This beautiful pictorial book will appeal to all bird book collectors and those with a passion for these characterful birds.

250x295mm, 128pp, ISBN: 3-57910-864-2

Posted: Birds by CC Africa, Date: 22 November 2006