Richard Kendall Brooke (1930–1996) was a South African ornithologist recognized for his extensive research on the birds of Southern Africa. He is particularly noted for his expertise in avian taxonomy, nomenclature, and the history of ornithological exploration in Africa.
Born in Calcutta, India, Brooke was educated in both South Africa and the United Kingdom. Although he initially worked in the civil service of Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), he maintained a deep interest in natural history, eventually transitioning into a full-time career in ornithology. He held positions at the Durban Museum and later at the Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology at the University of Cape Town, where he remained until his retirement.
Brooke's scientific contributions include the publication of several hundred papers in peer-reviewed journals such as Ostrich and The Ibis. His research specialized in the family Apodidae (swifts), but his work also encompassed seabirds, birds of prey, and the conservation status of various species. He was instrumental in the compilation of the first South African Red Data Book for birds, which assessed the threat levels facing regional avian populations.
Known for his meticulous approach to literature and historical records, Brooke played a significant role in refining the systematic classification of African avifauna. He was a Fellow of the Zoological Society of London and a member of various international ornithological unions, contributing to the broader understanding of bird distribution and migration patterns across the African continent.