This lightweight book has been designed to fit into a shirt pocket and be carried into the field. Its user-friendly layout and easy method of identifying new birds make it a must, especially for people who have just started birdwatching. More than 420 of the more common birds of southern Africa are listed. They are divided into twelve logical groups according to externally visible characteristics. Color photographs have been chosen to illustrate the important characteristics of each bird, with smaller photographs showing the differences between immature birds and adult males and females. The relative size, principal habitat, food, social structure and nest type of each bird are indicated by means of symbols. This pocket guide is a compact, but well-illustrated identification tool that many birdwatchers will find indispensable.