This new field guide uses all 147 color plates from Princeton's A Guide to the Birds of Western Africa , with concise, authoritative text on facing pages, to create a compact, lightweight field reference covering all 1,285 species found in the region--from Senegal and southern Mauritania east to Chad and the Central African Republic and south to Congo. It is the first field guide to cover this region exclusively and in such comprehensive depth, and will enable birders to identify any species found in any of the twenty-three countries and territories covered. Birds of Western Africa also has an updated color distribution map for each species, conveniently placed on interleaved pages within the color plates. The plates, all original and painted by the same leading illustrator, comprise over 3,000 figures--including a number of new images painted for this field guide--and depict almost all the species described. The entries opposite the plates focus on key identification marks for all main plumages. Both authors have gained extensive field experience over many years in western Africa. Their knowledge and expertise shines through in this unprecedented and outstanding field guide to one of the world's most exciting birding regions. "Winner of the 2004 Best Bird Book - Africa, Worldtwitch" "Invaluable for serious birders and scientists working in or visiting the area. It would also make an excellent addition to a collection of field guides for home or office use." ― Condor "Anyone with an interest in West African birds will want to own this book. We have been waiting for some considerable time for someone to produce a modern guide to West African birds, so Nik Borrow and Ron Demey are to be congratulated for completing the task admirably. . . . [A] splendid achievement." ---Stephen Rumsey, British Birds "With so many birds to cover in one area, this guide does a nice job of grouping them for easy access and comparison. It is an excellent resource to have with you on a trip to the region." ---Robert E. Hoopes, Wildlife Activist Nik Borrow is an acclaimed bird artist whose illustrations have appeared in many magazines and journals. He has been a birding tour leader for many years in Africa and elsewhere, and is an original member of the African Bird Club. Ron Demey is a freelance ornithologist who has lived and worked in several West African countries for many years. He has traveled extensively throughout the region. He serves on the editorial team of the African Bird Club and has worked on several African projects for BirdLife International.