ROBINS OF AFRICA by Terry Oatley & Graham Arnot
Known as the much-loved Robin British Redbreast' robin, since a the member of fifteenth the thrush century, family, has given its name to a whole genre of small songbirds in different parts of the world. Africa is the heartland of the thrush family and home to many robins and robin-like birds. In this monograph on African robins, Dr Terry Oatley presents a comprehensive account of the details known, from personal experience and the literature, of thirty-three species that are endemic to Africa, including information on distribution, habitat requirements, vocalizations and breeding biology. Each species' text is accompanied by a full-colour plate of one of renowned bird artist Graeme Arnott's exquisite watercolour paintings, and many are enlivened by behavioural sketches.
This book is, however, much more than just another series of species' texts: it is a celebration of the African robin and its world in all its variety. The introduction investigates the history of the robin name and gives a definition of robin character, while seven chapters are devoted to in-depth discussion of different aspects of robin behaviour. From songs and singing and how robin-chats use vocal mimicry to promote the survival of their young, Terry Oatley moves on to deal with diet and the range of animals with which robins enjoy foraging associations. The fourth chapter is devoted to the different kinds of migration that robins undertake; while the fifth discusses the mysteries of brood parasitism by cuckoos and the many enigmas that have still to be solved in this field of research. Chapter Six reveals the remarkable lifespans of African robins (up to twenty-five years), and the many consequences of long life. Chapter Seven looks at the confusions of taxonomy, past and present, and the important role of evolution. The final chapter provides comment on the place of robins in African ecosvstems and the dilemmas inherent in the conservation of African plant and animal life.
Robins of Africa embodies a master ornithologist's enjoyment and experience of the doings of robins in many of the magical-sounding places of Africa, recorded for his readers' pleasurable information. The anecdotal style conveys the excitement of ornithological discoveries and of coincidental encounters with other forms of wildlife. It makes for riveting reading that will not only delight the amateur birdwatcher, but also inspire and provide food for thought for professional biologists.
Beautifully illustrated with thirty-six colour plates and numerous pencil sketches, this authoritative account will give the reader fresh insight into the fascinating world of the African robin.
1998 Hardcover
ISBN: 1-874802-10-6
Condition: Extremely Good (Inscribed in ink)
MB
Known as the much-loved Robin British Redbreast' robin, since a the member of fifteenth the thrush century, family, has given its name to a whole genre of small songbirds in different parts of the world. Africa is the heartland of the thrush family and home to many robins and robin-like birds. In this monograph on African robins, Dr Terry Oatley presents a comprehensive account of the details known, from personal experience and the literature, of thirty-three species that are endemic to Africa, including information on distribution, habitat requirements, vocalizations and breeding biology. Each species' text is accompanied by a full-colour plate of one of renowned bird artist Graeme Arnott's exquisite watercolour paintings, and many are enlivened by behavioural sketches.
This book is, however, much more than just another series of species' texts: it is a celebration of the African robin and its world in all its variety. The introduction investigates the history of the robin name and gives a definition of robin character, while seven chapters are devoted to in-depth discussion of different aspects of robin behaviour. From songs and singing and how robin-chats use vocal mimicry to promote the survival of their young, Terry Oatley moves on to deal with diet and the range of animals with which robins enjoy foraging associations. The fourth chapter is devoted to the different kinds of migration that robins undertake; while the fifth discusses the mysteries of brood parasitism by cuckoos and the many enigmas that have still to be solved in this field of research. Chapter Six reveals the remarkable lifespans of African robins (up to twenty-five years), and the many consequences of long life. Chapter Seven looks at the confusions of taxonomy, past and present, and the important role of evolution. The final chapter provides comment on the place of robins in African ecosvstems and the dilemmas inherent in the conservation of African plant and animal life.
Robins of Africa embodies a master ornithologist's enjoyment and experience of the doings of robins in many of the magical-sounding places of Africa, recorded for his readers' pleasurable information. The anecdotal style conveys the excitement of ornithological discoveries and of coincidental encounters with other forms of wildlife. It makes for riveting reading that will not only delight the amateur birdwatcher, but also inspire and provide food for thought for professional biologists.
Beautifully illustrated with thirty-six colour plates and numerous pencil sketches, this authoritative account will give the reader fresh insight into the fascinating world of the African robin.
1998 Hardcover
ISBN: 1-874802-10-6
Condition: Extremely Good (Inscribed in ink)
MB
Known as the much-loved Robin British Redbreast' robin, since a the member of fifteenth the thrush century, family, has given its name to a whole genre of small songbirds in different parts of the world. Africa is the heartland of the thrush family and home to many robins and robin-like birds. In this monograph on African robins, Dr Terry Oatley presents a comprehensive account of the details known, from personal experience and the literature, of thirty-three species that are endemic to Africa, including information on distribution, habitat requirements, vocalizations and breeding biology. Each species' text is accompanied by a full-colour plate of one of renowned bird artist Graeme Arnott's exquisite watercolour paintings, and many are enlivened by behavioural sketches.
This book is, however, much more than just another series of species' texts: it is a celebration of the African robin and its world in all its variety. The introduction investigates the history of the robin name and gives a definition of robin character, while seven chapters are devoted to in-depth discussion of different aspects of robin behaviour. From songs and singing and how robin-chats use vocal mimicry to promote the survival of their young, Terry Oatley moves on to deal with diet and the range of animals with which robins enjoy foraging associations. The fourth chapter is devoted to the different kinds of migration that robins undertake; while the fifth discusses the mysteries of brood parasitism by cuckoos and the many enigmas that have still to be solved in this field of research. Chapter Six reveals the remarkable lifespans of African robins (up to twenty-five years), and the many consequences of long life. Chapter Seven looks at the confusions of taxonomy, past and present, and the important role of evolution. The final chapter provides comment on the place of robins in African ecosvstems and the dilemmas inherent in the conservation of African plant and animal life.
Robins of Africa embodies a master ornithologist's enjoyment and experience of the doings of robins in many of the magical-sounding places of Africa, recorded for his readers' pleasurable information. The anecdotal style conveys the excitement of ornithological discoveries and of coincidental encounters with other forms of wildlife. It makes for riveting reading that will not only delight the amateur birdwatcher, but also inspire and provide food for thought for professional biologists.
Beautifully illustrated with thirty-six colour plates and numerous pencil sketches, this authoritative account will give the reader fresh insight into the fascinating world of the African robin.
1998 Hardcover
ISBN: 1-874802-10-6
Condition: Extremely Good (Inscribed in ink)
MB