The most comprehensive single-volume handbook on the African continent.

Austin Roberts’ The Birds of South Africa was first published in 1940 and has been in print ever since. In a remarkable publishing history spanning nearly 70 years, this book has been revised several times and has embraced no fewer than 6 editions and numerous impressions. To date the number of sales of this much-loved work make it one of South Africa’s most successful ongoing book ventures in the natural history genre.

After the publication of Roberts 6, it was decided that Roberts (as it was affectionately known) would be totally revamped. This current Roberts VIIth edition has been produced as a major fully comprehensive and illustrated handbook encapsulating all current knowledge of southern African birds.

A scientific editorial committee comprising of Phil Hockey (Editor-in-Chief), Peter Ryan and Richard Dean, all professional ornithologists and the former two from the distinguished Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, led the initial process of author selection. 61 experts have been involved in the compilation of the 951 species accounts, each contribution quality-assessed and peer-reviewed.

Additional to the usual headings in a handbook the volume boasts extra features such as – detailed identification which includes comparison with similar-looking likely-confusing species. Further notable aspects included are etymology, moult, population and demography, taxonomy, geographical variation and conservation issues. The distribution maps, largely based on the Atlas of Southern African Birds, are fully up to date. Full references are given so that the source of all information may be traced. Roberts VIIth edition reflects the latest research leading to revised taxonomic order, and implements the new common names established by the International Ornithological Committee.

The inclusion of 80 bold large colour plates especially commissioned from South Africa’s leading bird illustrators further enhances this magnificent publication.