Birds of Zambia

As a novice, I derived little value from this relatively expensive app. It is a list of Zambian birds that can be sorted by taxonomy or in alphabetic order, complete with photos and bird calls. However, the only way can identify a particular bird is by guessing at its taxonomy and then scrolling through the list one by one. Alternatively you can guess at its name and see if you are right. If you are right, then you probably didn’t need the app in the first place, and if you aren’t right, then you are none the wiser. In summary, maybe experts will find this app valuable but it isn’t much use to a novice.

Shortly after its launch, I had the opportunity to test the new “Birds of Zambia” App (hereafter ‘The App’) during four weeks of birding across the country in November/December 2019. The App is particularly valuable and important because there is no field guide to the birds of Zambia other than one covering all the birds of sub-Saharan Africa. The App is of incredibly high standard. Starting with the general appearance, the look and feel is very slick and attractive, the layout is intuitive, and navigation is easy. The App did automatically close a couple of times during extensive use, but it reopened immediately and generally worked well, and I’m sure these teething issues will be fixed very quickly (if they have not already). However, it is the information contents that is particularly impressive. Text is detailed and comprehensive. Species comparisons are relevant. Photographs are good to excellent, and an effort has been made to use photographs taken in Zambia, depicting local subspecies. The distribution maps are the peak of excellence and are incredibly detailed, precise and clear. They are among the best set of maps I have seen for any country. Call coverage is good, although this is the one area that could be slightly improved. In summary, The App is among the best bird apps available anywhere and sets the benchmark for bird apps in Africa. Anyone who visits Zambia for birding without The App is at a distinct disadvantage, and anyone with an interest in Zambian birds should own it!

I’ve used other bird apps and this is the best by far. It’s easy to find the bird you’re looking for and the photo ID’s are great. The extra information is comprehensive, yet nicely condensed and easy to access.

At last a comprehensive app for the birds of Zambia! Easy to find your way around the app. Lots of excellent quality photos for id’ing. Great descriptions and maps. Am so looking forward to taking it on my next trip to Zambia. Essential for anyone interested in birds.