The Birds Of Prey Of Southern Africa – C.G. Finch-Davies, A.C. Kemp

Description

The Birds of Prey of Southern Africa is a magnificent reference work celebrating the rich diversity of birds of prey found across Southern Africa. This sought-after volume showcases the acclaimed artwork of natural history illustrator Claude Gibney Finch-Davies, featuring 140 detailed, full-colour plates depicting eagles, falcons, hawks, vultures, owls, and other raptors known in the region at the start of the 20th century.

The authoritative text by renowned ornithologist Alan Kemp offers expert descriptions and insights into the habits, identification, and status of each species. The book also includes a concise biography of Finch-Davies, shedding light on the remarkable but tragic life of this celebrated bird artist.

This title forms part of a limited subscriber’s edition, individually numbered out of 1,700 copies, and remains a highly prized collector’s item for bird enthusiasts, naturalists, and lovers of Africana.

Why it’s Significant:
Claude Gibney Finch-Davies (1875–1920) was a British-born naturalist and bird artist who worked extensively in Southern Africa. His highly detailed and scientifically valuable watercolour paintings set a lasting standard for natural history illustration in the region.

Produced as a tribute and showcase of his works — many held in private collections and museums — this book preserves the artistic and ornithological legacy of one of Southern Africa’s finest bird painters. The text by Alan Kemp, an ornithologist at the Transvaal Museum in Pretoria, updates the species information and taxonomy to complement Finch-Davies’ historic artwork.

This edition remains a coveted collector’s piece for birding enthusiasts, natural historians, and bibliophiles with an interest in African ornithology or finely illustrated natural history books.

Interesting Historical Note:
Finch-Davies’ life ended tragically in 1920 after he was accused of removing plates from rare ornithological volumes in South African museums for personal reference use. The book’s biography touches sensitively on this chapter of his life, adding poignant historical depth to a collection that remains one of Southern Africa’s most admired ornithological works.