In Waders of Southern Africa Phil Hockey, a leading international specialist on the subject, draws on up to date scientific information to provide a fascinating insight into the lives and lifestyles of waders, their food and foraging ecology, distribution and breeding habits. He also examines the migratory patterns of the many species that travel vast distances to and from southern Africa every year, some of these journeys totalling more than 25 000 kilometres.

The more common waders are discussed in comprehensive species accounts, each accompanied by a distribution map and illustrated with a full page plate by Clare Douie, showing plumage variations and other identification characteristics. The rarer wader species and conservation are also examined as these birds and the habitats that support them are currently high priorities in world conservation circles. Phil Hockey has succeeded in presenting a fine balance of fact, interpretation and narrative, and Clare Douie’s 48 full colour paintings complement his exploration of the private lives of waders. Waders of Southern Africa present the wide audience of bird enthusiasts with a welcome opportunity to acquire a beautiful and comprehensive monograph on this intriguing group of birds.