17 November 2009

The BOU has recently admitted four new species to Category A* of the British List:

• Pacific Diver Gavia pacifica (N Yorks, Jan/Feb 2007)
• Yellow-nosed Albatross Thalassarche chlororhynchos (Somerset/Lincs, Jun/Jul 2007)
• Glaucous-winged Gull Larus glaucescens (Gloucs, Dec 2006)
• Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica (Shetland, Jul 1992)

*Species recorded in an apparently natural state at least once since 1 January 1950.

The British List now stands at 587 species.

In addition, a subspecies of White Wagtail, known as 'Amur Wagtail' Motacilla alba leucopsis, has also been admitted to Category A following a record in Co. Durham in April 2005.

Finally, as part of the BOU’s ongoing review of Category D** species, Baikal Teal Anas formosa is shortly to be promoted to Category A of the British List.

**Species that would otherwise appear in Category A except that there is reasonable doubt that they have ever occurred in a natural state.

For full details click here to visit the BOU's news blog.