AFRICAN BIRDS OF PREY. By Leslie Brown.

# 1970 1st edition. 8vo (142 x 215mm). Pp320. B/w photographs and illustrations. Light brown boards, spine titled in gilt.

# "A study of Africa's 89 diurnal raptors and 31 owls." Divided into three sections:- "Part One explains the nature of predation among birds, the behavioural and physical adaptations necessary for finding and killing prey on the ground or in the air, by day or at dusk or at night. Part Two, 'The African Birds of Prey', examines in turn every group and every species of raptor in Africa. ...This is a first-hand species-by-species account of one who has for over 20 years followed and watched some of the most exciting birds on earth. Part Three is a study of the life of predatory birds in Africa, of the peculiar problems of ecology, distribution, migration, populations, feeding and breeding within this enormous continent. This is a fine example of how an important work, by the leading authority on a complex subject, need not be hard labour for the reader. Lucid, impeccably written, it is unfailingly interesting from cover to cover." Chapters include:- What are birds of prey?; Behaviour and physical adaptations for predation; The variety of African birds of prey; Cuckoo falcons, honey buzzards and kites; Vultures; Snake eagles and fish eagles; Harriers; Sparrowhawks, goshawks and their kin; Buzzards and small eagles; Large and spectacular eagles; Falcons; Oddities; Little owls, Scops owls and owlets; A variety of middle-sized owls; Eagle owls and fishing owls; Some ecological and distribution problems; Migrant African birds of prey; Migration within continental Africa; The numbers of African birds of prey; The effects of predation; Territory and regulation of raptor numbers; Breeding seasons and food supply; The breeding cycle; Birds of prey and man.