South African Birds by Name: Origins and Meanings

Ever since Carl Linnaeus devised his system of naming organisms, binomial nomenclature has been used to structure an understanding of the species that inhabit our natural world. Working mostly in Latin and Greek, with just two components - genus and species - taxonomists have named every known species on Earth, making it possible to identify and recognise each one. South African Birds by Name provides insight into the origins and meanings of the scientific names given to every bird in the region, helping readers to make sense of the species they are looking at. Eddie Germiquet has meticulously researched ancient mythology, indigenous knowledge, historical accounts of explorers, and early scientific texts to unpack avian nomenclature. In addition, where a name derives from a physical attribute of the bird, he has drawn a captivating illustration to depict it. Finished with an attractive hardcover, it is the perfect gift for ornithologists and birders, and a delightful source of discovery for new twitchers and anyone curious about the natural world.