In December 1935, the South African Bird Book Fund was established to finance a new, comprehensive bird book for southern Africa. Authored by Austin Roberts and illustrated by Norman C.K. Lighton, the popular first edition, The Birds of South Africa, was published on 8 June 1940. After Roberts' sudden death in 1948, the fund's secretary, John Voelcker, became Chairman and, alongside the Trustees, ensured the book was revised and updated. Seventeen years later, in 1957, the second edition was released by G.R. McLachlan and R. Liversidge, who also revised the third (1970) and fourth (1978) editions, now titled Roberts Birds of South Africa. Renamed the John Voelcker Bird Book Fund, the organisation is a non-profit with limited funds from subscriptions and book sales. The fifth and sixth editions (1985 and 1993) were revised by Professor G.L. Maclean, while the seventh edition Handbook (2005) was rewritten by Professors P.A.R. Hockey and W.R.J. Dean, and Dr P.G. Ryan under the Percy Fitzpatrick Institute of Ornithology.
Currently made up of bird enthusiasts, business people and ornithologists, the Trust has built up a solid reputation with the Roberts brand. Since 2006, under the enthusiastic and energetic chairmanship of Hugh Chittenden (now retired), the Trust has received acclaim for its various ornithological books and multimedia products, some aimed at popular readership and others more specialist. The Trust prides itself on selecting quality of product over mere quantity of units sold, and subsidises where necessary to ensure affordability if the publication is seen to make a significant contribution to ornithology in the region. Since 2005, it has brought out some fifteen titles in its Roberts brand stable, in English, Afrikaans and isiZulu, and is ably administered by Graaffs Trust in Cape Town.
Ingrid Weiersbye (2008), Andrew McKechnie (2022), Duncan McKenzie (2022), Nicolette Forbes (2022) and Guy Upfold (2024).
Everard Read (1982–2005), Cecily Niven (1982–2005), Richard Knight (1982–2005), Hamish Campbell (1982–2005), Patrick Niven (1982–2008), William Stretton (1991–2016), Mark Read (1995–2012), David Rattray (1997–2008), Hugh Chittenden (1998–2022), John Stephenson (2002–2008), Francios van der Merwe (2003—2008), Morne Du Plessis (2008–2013), Gregory Davies (2011–2016), Richard Nuttall (2011–2022), Christine Read (2012–2024), Christopher Brown (2014–2022)
Available for smartphones and tablets.
