Chamberlain LBJs: The Definitive Guide to Southern African Little Brown Jobs

And You Thought LBJs Were Boring?

Four years in the making, Chamberlain's LBJs sets a new standard for African field guides. This eagerly-anticipated book focuses on 235 species of Little Brown Jobs (or LBJs), a designation that frustrated birders assign to any smallish, brownish and featureless bird that defies identification. Through its wealth of accurate and visually stunning illustrations, carefully planned layout, innovative design, and comprehensive text, the book will help beginners and experienced birders alike to confidently identify LBJs. However, the book is by no means intended as a technical identification manual, but rather a celebration of LBJs and their habitats.

1500 Superb Illustrations

Almost a quarter of Southern Africa’s bird species, and half of its endemics, are known by birders as LBJs or Little Brown Jobs. All birders experience some degree of trepidation when confronted by Ornithologicum nightmariensis. Consequently, this potentially confusing group of birds is shunned by virtually all beginners and many experienced observers as well. However, LBJs include some of the region’s most spectacular, thrilling, interesting, sought-after and memorable birds. In this popular book, four years in the making, talented author and artist Faansie Peacock shares his passion for and knowledge of LBJs. Chamberlain's LBJs will not only help you to confidently identify LBJs in the field, but also to understand and enjoy these remarkable birds.

Chamberlain's LBJs has a very strong visual component, subscribing to the principle that a picture is worth a thousand words. The book includes more than 1400 original colour paintings of superb detail, accuracy and appeal. Particularly attention has been paid to size, proportions, posture and carriage, to help transform the paintings from two-dimensional images into representatives of living, breathing creatures that might fly off the page at any moment.

Features

• Includes more than 230 species of LBJs
• Over 1500 superb colour paintings by the author
• Innovative design to facilitate identification
• Thumbnail illustrations of the bird in its typical
• habitat and as it really appears in the field
• Juveniles or immatures are shown for all species
• Depictions of important subspecies / races / forms
• In-flight illustrations, from above and below
• Detailed, multi-colour distribution maps from new atlas data
• Distribution maps show subspecies and abundance levels
• Fascinating insights into LBJ biology, classification and names
• Useful tips and techniques to help you find and identify LBJs

Species Text & Extra Information

Chamberlain’s LBJs is far more than just an amplified field guide. From the outset it was deemed important to provide extensive supplementary information to give readers a broader and more in-depth understanding of LBJs. Consequently, the book features diverse background information on topics such as names, evolution, classification, breeding biology, eggs and nests, diet, subspecies, and hybrids. Although the focus of the book is on field identification, additional identification resources are provided for tricky groups; these include wing formulae, sonograms, measurements, feather details, identification keys, schematic summaries, habitat tables, optical illusions, and more.

General tips on how to find and observe each family are given, and specific stakeouts for a few sought-after species are also suggested. Finally, tips on photographing LBJs, suggested further reading, a glossary of terms and bird topography diagrams are provided.

Faansie Peacock’s unique writing style is evident throughout: his mix of accurate scientific information, creative and colourful writing and subtle humour make Chamberlain's LBJs essential in the field but also fascinating enough to enjoy at home.

Meet the Author

Faansie Peacock is one of Southern Africa’s best-known birders and most talented bird artists. He was born in Pretoria, South Africa in 1982. Not unexpectedly, his first memories are of birds; more surprisingly, these recollections of a six-year old birder are not of doves or sparrows, but of Yellow-breasted Apalises, Black-crowned Night-Herons and African Openbills. Faansie’s parents initially instilled a love of nature in him at a young age, nurtured this interest during childhood, and tolerated his growing obsession during adulthood. Faansie was one of the youngest persons to reach the magical 800 species mark in Southern Africa.