Please note (August 2014): We received confirmation from the publisher that they have abandoned their plans to reprint the first seven volumes, or make available this 8-volume set.
The Birds of Africa contains the seven reprinted volumes of this magnificent series (please note that these do not contain new material) which were originally published between 1986-2004, plus the newly published volume 8, which is the final installment in this series. Volumes 1 to 3 cover the non-passerines, with volumes 4-7 covering the passerines.
The Birds of Africa is an authoritative reference work and describes the entire avifauna of Africa, one of the most varied and interesting in the world. While many regional guides to African birds exist, this is the first comprehensive guide to the bird life of the continent as a whole, including North Africa. The entire set covers all species of birds found in Africa, including migrants from the Palearctic and vagrants. Resident birds are described in full detail, with sections on their range and status, description, field characters, voice, general behaviour, food and breeding biology. Visitors are also given extensive coverage, with emphasis on their status and behaviour within Africa.