Birds of Malawi, the Splendour of Diversity is the first major illustrated book devoted to the diversity of Malawi’s of bird life. It follows the success of photographer Bentley Palmer’s first book on the country’s birdlife Song from the Heart. Renowned biologist and student of Malawi’s wildlife in general, Dr John Wilson, has contributed a vastly expanded text providing fascinating information on habitat, status, distinguishing features and habits, calls and vernacular references in several of Malawi’s local languages. No fewer than nearly 650 species of birds have been recorded in Malawi, a figure higher than recorded in the world largest country Russia which is 144 times larger in area than diminutive Malawi! No statistics exist for the numbers of birds likely to be encountered per square kilometre in every country but it is obvious that Malawi offers vastly more ornithological opportunity, through its huge range of habitats in a small area, than its very much bigger competitors in the tourism field.