BIRDS ON THE BRITISH LIST.
I am attempting to see and photograph every bird on the British List. My working list is basically category A species (since 1950, which co-incidentally was when I was born), but also includes established introduced species. Most controversial are the two pheasants, Golden and Lady Amherst's, which are no longer considered to have self-sustaining populations; as I have photos I have kept them in. There are five species I haven't seen anywhere in the world, my aim is to see these last few before I can no longer travel. There are others which I don't have photos of, but a large number of vagrants I have photographed abroad. Where a photo was taken outside the UK it will have a dark blue border, this doesn't necessarily mean no UK photo, but the alternative is much better. Wherever possible I will use a UK taken photo, many of these are from film or slides, it is surprising how much the digitised images can be improved on with modern processing.
Pelagic species are now being reported in ever-increasing numbers but are only seen with luck, fortunately I have photographed most of these species on long voyages, I rarely seawatch for that reason.
Eventually clicking on a photo will provide more information and possibly links, but this will be a work in progress.
I have used the current list at the beginning of 2025, although the BOU intend adopting Avilist I will only make changes once a year. and "lumped" species will probably remain. The names are as the BOU list, which in my view is outdated as many of these species should have epithets such as "common","northern" or "eurasian". However, I have included scientific names in case any birders from other countries are unsure.
Some species will have, in time, further photos etc. when you click on the photo, but this is an ongoing process, so there will be few initially.
Launched December 2025.

PASSERINES.
Surprisingly there are fewer passerines on the British list than non-passerines, but far more vagrants. They are often not so easily photographed, or even seen, than larger species. Although I have seen a large number, I have often failed to obtain a photo, so many of the following were taken abroad. If you are a twitcher, please bear in mind that many of the birds shown are breeding adults, and unlikely to be seen in that plumage in the UK.

GOLDEN 0RIOLE
Oriolus oriolus
A gradual decline led to the extirpation of this beautiful bird in the UK, although it is still an annual migrant in small numbers. Habitat loss seems to preclude its breeding again.

GREAT GREY SHRIKE
Lanius excubitor
Up to 250 of this species are seen on autumn migration, although numbers fluctuate. Some overwinter and will return to the same site each year, favouring woodland edges and heaths. .

MASKED SHRIKE
Lanius nubicus
Since the first accepted record of a juvenile in Fife in 2004, there have been a further four, all young birds. There seems to be no pattern except none has occurred in Ireland.

LESSER GREY SHRIKE
Lanius minor
Over 230 records but less than ten in Ireland. Not quite annual but widespread, both in spring and autumn, but don't overwinter. Usually near coasts in open bushy areas.

WOODCHAT SHRIKE
Lanius senator
A fairly regular vagrant in spring and, to a lesser extent, autumn. Often adult birds. The race badius from the western Mediterranean has been recorded a few times.

DAURIAN (ISABELLINE) SHRIKE
Lanius isabellinus
On paper a very rare vagrant, but most records are indeterminate as this and Red-tailed Shrike can be impossible to tell apart, and they were formerly lumped.

RED-BACKED SHRIKE
Lanius collurio
Formerly a breeding species, but since the 1980's only sporadic attempts. Still a regular spring and (mainly) autumn migrant, most birds are near the south and east coasts.

TURKESTAN (RED-TAILED) SHRIKE
Lanius phoenicuroides
Possibly the more common of the species pair, identification is easier as birds age. The photo is of a 2CY female on Anglesey in 1998, which was accepted as Red-tailed.

BROWN SHRIKE
Lanius cristatus
Once a major rarity, the first bird being on Shetland in 1985, and one in Ireland in 1999. Since 2000 there have been increasing numbers each year, including eight in 2020.

LONG-TAILED SHRIKE
Lanius schach
November 2000 saw the only record of this species, on South Uist. It was barely twitchable, and a couple of records on the continent since give no promise of another.

JAY
Garrulus glandarius
Fairly common throughout Britain and Ireland, found mainly in woodland areas but will visit gardens. Usually solitary and absent from areas of Scotland where the habitat is unsuitable.

MAGPIE
Pica pica
Over half a million pairs and seemingly increasing, found in woods, farmland, parks and gardens. Again only absent from areas of unsuitable habitat. Occurs singly or as pairs or small family groups.

NUTCRACKER
Nucifraga caryocatactes
A formerly scarce but regular vagrant, first record in 1753. An irruptive species, there were nearly 300 records in 1968, but there have been only two accepted records this century.

CHOUGH
Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax
A rare bird forty years ago, due to persecution and egg collecting, it has returned to breed and increased in Cornwall. Elsewhere it is still in decline, but may be found in small clifftop flocks.

JACKDAW
Coloeus monedula
A common resident throughout, with far more in Ireland. It is rare as a winter visitor. Birds breed colonially and are often found in flocks of varying size.

ROOK
Corvus frugilegus
The most common Corvid, with populations in the millions. Breed in large rookeries , sometimes with Jackdaws, and forage in flocks largely on farmland, clifftops and other open areas.

CARRION CROW
Corvus corone
A common resident throughout except most of Ireland and North-west Scotland, where it is replaced by Hooded Crow. Mixes with Rooks but also found in ones or twos.

HOODED CROW
Corvus cornix
Common where it occurs, although hybrids are frequent. Some birds move south in winter, but may have hybrid genes. Taxonomists can't make up their minds whether it is a good species.

RAVEN
Corvus corax
Less common than other corvids, and scarce or absent in parts of the south-east. It prefers upland areas, although of late is becoming more common in East Anglia. Usually singly or in small groups.

WAXWING
Bombycilla garrulus
An erratic winter visitor which is subject to irruptions, mainly occurring in Scotland and the East. Some years there are few or none, but sometimes hundreds.

CEDAR WAXWING
Bombycilla cedrorum
Ten accepted records, the first in 1985 (Noss) was accepted retrospectively when a bird in 1996 was found in an irruption year. Only one other mainland record, found dead.

COAL TIT
Periparus ater
A common bird, widespread except for Fenland and a small area of N.Scotland. Found in woodland, scrub and other areas with bushes. Also a migrant and winter visitor.

CRESTED TIT
Lophophanes cristatus
A scarce resident (about 2,400 pairs) found only in parts of Northern Scotland, being tied to native Scots Pine. More common in Europe but restricted to conifers.

MARSH TIT
Poecile palustris
Now a scarce resident in most of England, with some in southern Scotland. A woodland species, it is in decline due to habitat loss, using mature hedgerows and woods.

WILLOW TIT
Poecile montanus
A rare resident with a shrinking range, in sharp decline probably because of its habitat preferences. Large parts of England no longer hold the species.

BLUE TIT
Cyanistes caeruleus
Over three million pairs (Britain) are found throughout, in woodlands, gardens, anywhere there is cover. May visit reedbeds.

GREAT TIT
Parus major
Somewhat less (two million) breeders throughout Britain, in similar habitat to Blue tits. Both visit feeders frequently.

PENDULINE TIT
Remiz pendulinus
A scarce migrant to reedbeds and adjacent woodland mainly in coastal regions. Although some overwinter there has been no evidence of breeding.

BEARDED TIT (REEDLING)
Panurus biarmicus
A scarce local resident in the north and east, particularly near coasts since breeding birds inhabit reedbeds exclusively. Some dispersal in winter.

WOODLARK
Lullula arborea
A rare local breeder in the south of England, Formerly a migrant,. but now many birds winter but away from breeding areas.

WHITE-WINGED-LARK
Alauda leucoptera
A single record in 1981 is the sole example on category A. The only other accepted bird is one shot in 1869, others have not stood the test of time..

SKYLARK
Alauda arvensis
A common if local resident found on open ground, numbers increasing as flocks form in winter with continental birds arriving. Overall declining.

CRESTED LARK
Galerida cristata
Just over twenty accepted records, with twelve since 1950, many earlier records are "not proven". Not a great migrant, but breed just across the Channel.

SHORE LARK
Eremophila alpestris
A rare winter visitor, formerly much more common. Numbers vary, some years there are only one or two. Regular sites may be used for a few years and then abandoned

SHORT-TOED LARK YELL 2025
Calandrella brachydactyla
An annual migrant, both spring and autumn. in small numbers. Quite widespread in the east and south, occasionally overwinters. Quite variable as there are several subspecies.

BIMACULATED LARK
Melanocorypha bimaculata
Three records, May 1962 Lundy, October 1975 Scilly, and June 1976 Fair Isle. The "most wanted" bird of many twitchers, especially as the !976 bird was one day only.

CALANDRA LARK ISL. of MAN 1997
Melanocorypha calandra
Just over twenty accepted records since 1961, earlier records are "not proven". Most have been one or two-day birds, difficult to twitch, several on Fair Isle.

BLACK LARK ANGLESEY 2003
Melanocorypha yeltoniensis
Removed from the UK list during the "Hastings Rarities", a male was overlooked in 1984. 2003 saw a bird on Anglesey for a week, but a Norfolk bird left mid-morning in 2008.

SAND MARTIN
Riparia riparia
Locally common summer migrant where nesting banks are available, but numbers fluctuate, probably in decline overall. Found most commonly near water hunting insect prey.

TREE SWALLOW SCILLY 1990
Tachycineta bicolor
Two accepted records, a just twitchable bird on St. Marys in 1990, and a bird on Unst for one day in 2002. Long term declines in the USA don't bode well for a reccurence.

PURPLE MARTIN
Progne subis
A single bird on Lewis for two days in 2004 is the only accepted record, but earlier records are "not proven", and it seems more likely to occur again than Tree Swallow.

CRAG MARTIN CHESTERFIELD 2015
Ptyonoprogne rupestris
Seventeen records since 1988, although birds probably occurred earlier, they must be difficult to shoot!. Regularly seen every few years or so, in widely varying locations.

BARN SWALLOW
Hirundo rustica
About a million pairs of this locally common summer migrant breed in the UK and Ireland, found in many open habitats. Quite tame and often breeds in bird hides.

HOUSE MARTIN
Delichon urbicum
Again a locally common summer breeder, of a similar number to Swallows. However far more are in Ireland, it is declining in England because of lost nest-sites on houses.

RED-RUMPED SWALLOW
Cecropis rufula
A rare migrant from southern Europe with up to fifty records annually. Most are in the south of England in spring, but autumn birds do occur. Formerly lumped with the next species.

EASTERN RED-RUMPED SWALLOW
Cecropis daurica
Three records, one at sea and the others could have been the same bird (2011 Orkney and Skye). Possibly some were overlooked before the split but no sign since.

AMERICAN CLIFF SWALLOW
Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
Fourteen accepted records since the first in 1983. Two have been in Ireland, but no less than six on Scilly. However there are a number of records from the east coast.

CETTI'S WARBLER
Cettia cetti
An increasingly common breeder and resident, mainly in the south and East Anglia. It wasn't on the British List until 1961, and is still very elusive, most are detected by the distinctive song.

LONG-TAILED TIT SUFFOLK 2004
Aegithalos caudatus
A fairly common resident throughout, often seen in flocks outside the breeding season. Numbers increase in winter and some birds of the northern white-headed race are seen on migration.

WOOD WARBLER
Phylloscopus sibilatrix
A scarce summer breeder and migrant, mostly in the west of the country, preferring woodlands of oak, beech and larch. Declining as a breeding species due to habitat loss.

WESTERN BONELLI'S WARBLER SHETLAND 2021
Phylloscopus bonelli
A reasonably frequent migrant in autumn, with occasional birds in spring. The first record was in 1948 and there has been a gradual increase since the late 1970's.

EASTERN BONELLI'S WARBLER
Phylloscopus orientalis
Obviously identification issues and its lumping with Western have meant some have been overlooked, but only eight accepted records since the first in 1987, although several are pending.

HUME'S WARBLER YARMOUTH 1995
Phylloscopus
Again not recognised as distinct from Yellow-browed until the early 1960's, there have subsequently been over 200 records accepted. Birds have often wintered or attempted to.

YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER
Phylloscopus inornatus
Probably the commonest migrant from Eastern Asia, it is known to have changed its migration patterns and there are now probably over a thousand every autumn.

PALLAS'S WARBLER
Phylloscopus proregulus
A major raity in the 1970's, now following Yellow-browed as a common migrant, albeit far fewer, normally 50-100 each autumn. Has overwintered occasionally.

RADDE'S WARBLER
Phylloscopus schwarzi
Another regular autumn migrant. Up to ten are recorded every September and October, usually near the coast. However tends to be secretive so some are probably overlooked.

SULPHUR-BELLIED WARBLER
Phylloscopus griseolus
Only one (amazing) record, on Lundy in 2021, but unlike its relatives it is a relatively short distance migrant which breeds in alpine areas of Central and South Asia.

DUSKY WARBLER KESSINGLAND 2005
Phylloscopus fuscatus
Similar to Raddes' Warbler in many respects, including appearence, but slightly more are recorded annually (15-20). More tend to overwinter, again favouring dense scrub.

WILLOW WARBLER
Phylloscopus trochilus
Around two million pairs of our most abundant Phylloscopus warbler breed over thw whole of Great Britain, with almost as many in Ireland. Found anywhere there are trees.

CHIFFCHAFF
Phylloscopus collybita
Not so many breeding pairs as Willow Warbler, and they tend to be more southerly, but seems more obvious on migration and a few birds now overwinter, especially of the race tristis.

IBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF PORTLAND 1999
Phylloscopus ibericus
Once part of Chiffchaff, it is obviously a regular migrant, but as it can be difficult to identify if not singing, many birds must go unnoticed or have records rejected.

EASTERN CROWNED WARBLER
Phylloscopus coronatus
Four accepted records with another on Shetland last year pending. The first, in 2009, was well-twitched, indeed only one was not, trapped at a private site in 2011.

GREEN WARBLER
Phylloscopus nitidus
Another eastern rarity, although it breeds closer to the UK than most. Difficult to identify some individuals. The first was in 1983, the second 2014, and another eight since.

TWO-BARRED GREENISH WARBLER
Phylloscopus plumbeitarsus
Eleven accepted records, the first on Scilly in 1987. This and the previous species have been lumped at times with Greenish, so both may have been overlooked.

GREENISH WARBLER
Phylloscopus trochiloides
Fifteen to twenty of these arrive each year, usually in autumn, but until recently Green and Two-barred were included in the species. Whilst undoubtedly the commonest, the true picture is unclear.

PALE-LEGGED LEAF WARBLER
Phylloscopus tenellipes
Three records, the 2016 bird found dead on St Agnes was accepted first (DNA analysis), but a prior sighting in 2012 was accepted later. The 2024 bird at Bempton was well twitched.

ARCTIC WARBLER
Phylloscopus borealis
Five to ten birds annually is the norm, recent increases are probably due to increased observer coverage. The bird pictured was found by Ann and I in Cot Valley.

GREAT REED WARBLER
Acrocephalus arundinaceus
A rare spring migrant with over 350 records to date, the first in 1847. Birds often sing, and may show well, or not. Not known to have bred but it is so secretive it may have been undetected.

AQUATIC WARBLER
Acrocephalus paludicola
At one time a regular autumn migrant in some numbers, but a decline in breeding numbers on the continent has been mirrored here. Birds are usually juveniles, and favour coastal reedbeds.

SEDGE WARBLER
Acrocephalus schoenobaenus
A locally common migrant over most of the country wherever there are reedbeds, brambles, nettles or similar, especially near water. Rarely seen on migration.

PADDYFIELD WARBLER HERTS 1990
Acrocephalus agricola
First recorded on Fair Isle in 1925, this mainly autumn migrant has now amassed 150 or so records. Found mainly in coastal reedbeds, its secretive nature means it will be under-recorded.

BLYTH'S REED WARBLER SHETLAND 2022
Acrocephalus dumetorum
For a long time thought indistinguishable in the field, it seems that this species is far commoner than once realised, and is expanding its range. It bred for the first time in 2024.

REED WARBLER
Acrocephalus scirpaceus
Locally a very common reedbed breeder, but rare in Scotland and Ireland. On Shetland it is now the rarity, whereas Blyth's Reed is an annual migrant in autumn.

MARSH WARBLER UNST 2021
Acrocephalus palustris
Formerly a rare breeding visitor, now erratic, but with migrants in autumn boosting numbers to about fifty or more annually.

THICK-BILLED WARBLER
Arundinax aedon
Six accepted records have "slipped under the radar" since 1955. All have been on Shetland or Fair Isle and only one has stayed for a second day.

BOOTED WARBLER UNST 2021
Iduna caligata
The first record was in 1936, but it was thirty years before the next. Since then a gradually increasing autumn vagrant, now approaching 200 records.

SYKE'S WARBLER
Iduna rama
Apart from four early records, three of which were trapped, all accepted records (20) are from this century, but it was formerly lumped with Booted.

EASTERN OLIVACEOUS WARBLER BENACRE 1995
Iduna pallida
Although there were earlier records, a bird in 1967 is the first accepted one. Of the other 25 or so, most were before the split, but Eastern is always the more likely.

WESTERN OLIVACEOUS WARBLER
Iduna opaca
The first, and so far only, record was on Shetland in 2023. Although breeding much closer to the UK, migration patterns mean they are far less likely to turn up here.

OLIVE-TREE WARBLER
Hippolais olivetorum
A single record on Shetland in 2006 was totally unexpected, but joins a growing number of vagrants from south-east Europe. The bird was initially identified as Olivaceous, and didn't linger.

MELODIOUS WARBLER
Hippolais polyglotta
Formerly up to thirty records annually, but declining. Most are autumn migrants, predominantly in south and southwest England. Tends to be a bit secretive.

ICTERINE WARBLER BUNGAY 2004
Hippolais icterina
A scarce migrant mainly in autumn, but spring records do occur. A more easterly bias than the similar Melodious Warbler, also a somewhat more active bird.

PALLAS'S GRASSHOPPER WARBLER NORFOLK 2001
Helopsaltes certhiola
Always a Shetland speciality, of about seventy records, most have been since 1990, and it seems to be getting more frequent. A scattering of records away from the Northern Isles.

LANCEOLATED WARBLER SUFFOLK 1997
Locustella lanceolata
Probably the most under-recorded and hardest bird on the British List to actually see. Nearly 200 records, the vast majority on Shetland. Many are trapped and never seen again.

RIVER WARBLER BOUGHTON FEN 1989
Locustella fluviatilis
A somewhat erratic vagrant, there have been fifty records since the first in 1961. Sometimes autumn migrants, but several in song in summer, mainly in the east of the country.

SAVI'S WARBLER
Locustella luscinioides
A rare summer visitor water, a few pairs breed occasionally although they used to be more reliable at some sites. Rarely seen on migration, in their reedbed habitat song is often the only indicator.

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER
Locustella naevia
A scarce and local breeding summer visitor, probably in decline. Like others, it is often heard but not seen. Migrants are rarely seen, but usually coastal when they occur.

ZITTING CISTICOLA PORTLAND 2000
Cisticola juncidis
Long thought on the verge of colonisation, this species seems reluctant to cross the channel, but finally there is a breeding record in 2025. Only eight previous records in England.

BLACKCAP
Sylvia atricapilla
Nearly a million pairs breed over most of the United Kingdom except where there is no deciduous woodland or shrubs. A common passage migrant and increasing winter visitor.

GARDEN WARBLER
Sylvia borin
A locally common summer breeder but in far lower numbers than its relative. Favouring woodland and thickets it can be unobtrusive.

BARRED WARBLER SHETLAND 2021
Curruca nisoria
A rare migrant, mostly in autumn and near coasts. Normally very secretive but occasionally one shows well. Unfortunately rarely seen in spring.

LESSER WHITETHROAT
Curruca curruca
A scarce summer resident, mainly in the south but largly absent from Cornwall. Fairly common as a passage migrant, mainly in autumn.

WESTERN ORPHEAN WARBLER
Curruca hortensis
Seven records, one in 1955 and the remainder from 2012. None was easily twitchable, but one was claimed at a private site this year.

EASTERN ORPHEAN WARBLER
Curruca crassirostris
A single record on Scilly in 2017 stayed for three days, during which time it was positively identified as the first Eastern for Britain. To date there hasn't been another.

ASIAN DESERT WARBLER WINTERTON 2024
Curruca nana
First recorded on Fair Isle in 1925, this mainly autumn migrant has now amassed 150 or so records. Found mainly in coastal reedbeds, its secretive nature means it will be under-recorded.

RUPPELL'S WARBLER HOLME 1993
Curruca ruppeli
Becoming a blocker this one. Two records in the 1970's, three in the 1990's, the last a one-day bird in 1995. The well-twitched 1992 bird at Holme was originally identified as Subalpine, so maybe....

SARDINIAN WARBLER HUNSTANTON 2002
Curruca melanocephala
Unlike it's close relative, a steady flow of records. Seems to miss a year or two, then several in one year, currently about ninety accepted. Has been suspected of overwintering on occasion.

WESTERN SUBALPINE WARBLER HENGISTBURY
Curruca iberiae
About 30 accepted records, but Eastern and Western weren't split until 2020, many earlier records weren't assigned to a specific taxon. On balance, Eastern would be expected more frequently.

MOLTONI'S SUBALPINE WARBLER BURNHAM 2007
Curruca subalpina
Split somewhat earlier, and can be easier to identify. The first, in 1894, was shot on St. Kilda so assigned retrospectively. This bird was identified by call, first in modern times.

EASTERN SUBALPINE WARBLER HOLME 2024
Curruca cantillans
The majority of pre 2020 records are assigned to this taxon, and as birds are difficult to positively separate, the 120 or so post 1950 records (plus one on Fair Isle in 1908, will probably stand.

WHITETHROAT
Curruca communis
Just short of a million pairs, in scrub, bushes, brambles etc. and found throughout. One has bred in brambles behind our garden fence for several years. Also common on migration.

SPECTACLED WARBLER BURNHAM OVERY 2014
Curruca conspicillata
Nine records since the first in 1992, most in spring but a couple in autumn. Norfolk and Suffolk have each hosted two, the 2014 bird was carrying nesting material.

MARMORA'S WARBLER ST.ABBS HEAD 1993
Curruca sarda
The first record, a bird summering in Yorkshire in 1982, was thought to be a one-off, but a further seven have been recorded, all in spring, and several in song. The last was on Fair Isle last year.

DARTFORD WARBLER
Curruca undata
Confined to heather and gorse heathlands, this rare breeder is found mainly in south and east England. Resident, but harsh winters decimate populations, although currently numbers are good.

RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET
Corthylio calendula
There are just two records of this tiny bird, one in Ireland and the other on Barra in 2020, during Covid. Records from Iceland and the Azores indicate another is not impossible.

FIRECREST
Regulus ignicapilla
Few people realise that this is a resident breeder in East Anglia and parts of southern England, at least 1500 pairs favouring dense evergreens. A regular migrant and winter visitor with a few hundred annually.

GOLDCREST
Regulus regulus
About threequarters of a million birds breed in woodlands and hedgerows, with about the same in Ireland. Also a very common migrant and winter visitor, found mainly coastally. One of the few areas it doesn't breed is Fenland.

WREN
Troglodytes troglodytes
Possibly the most abundant bird in the UK, an estimated 8 million pairs (plus 6 in Ireland). Found everywhere, plus birds from the continent arrive in winter. However there are four island races which are possible splits.

RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH HOLKHAM 1990
Sitta canadensis
Possibly the most famous "blocker" of all time resided in Norfolk from October 1989 till May 1990, and was allegedly seen by King (then Prince) Charles. There have been two records in Iceland and one in Germany, so there is hope of a repeat.

NUTHATCH
Sitta europaea
A fairly common resident of woodland, parks and large gardens, readily visiting feeders. Absent from Ireland and most of Scotland, areas of England (e.g. Lincolnshire) where it is absent is due to lack of suitable habitat.

WALLCREEPER
Tichodroma muraria
A really strange history, a 1792 record seems to have stood the test of time, 1969 and 1976 birds overwintered, and one returned in 1977. Since then the last accepted record was 1985, but a bird was reliably seen this year.

TREECREEPER
Certhia familiaris
A common resident of woodland throughout Britain and Ireland, with an estimated breeding population of up to a quarter of a million pairs. It is generally solitary and only found where there are trees due to its feeding habits.

SHORT-TOED TREECREEPER DUNGENESS 2001
Certhia brachydactyla
Thirty-five accepted records of this European breeder, nearly all in Kent, and most trapped (particularly earlier birds, the first in 1969). Identification in the field is very difficult. Most birds are spring or autumn migrants.

GREY CATBIRD
Dumetella carolinensis
There are three records of this somewhat unexpected vagrant, one being in Ireland. Vagrants are very secretive, in contrast to their behaviour in the USA where they are given to perching in the open.

NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD
Mimus polyglottos
There are five records, of three birds. The first, in 1982, was thought to be an escape or ship-assisted, the second was suppressed, and the 2021 bird at three widespread sites was during Covid. Much controversy!

BROWN THRASHER
Toxostoma rufum
There is one record of a bird which lingered from mid November 1966 to February 1967, which was almost certainly ship assisted and would possibly not be accepted today. The criteria for assistance have changed, and it was close to A major port.

ROSE-COLOURED STARLING SHETLAND 2021
Pastor roseus
A regular migrant, up to fifty records annually. Mainly autumn juveniles near the coast in the south and east, with starling flocks. Also solitary adults, usually in summer and often further north and west, which may linger.

STARLING SHETLAND 2021
Sturnus vulgaris
About two million pairs breed throughout Britain and Ireland, although they are decreasing. The figure rises to over ten million in winter. This bird is an adult winter of the race on Shetland, zetlandicus.

VARIED THRUSH
Ixoreus naevius
Two records, in 1982 (Nanquidno) and 2021 (Orkney). However, the fact of the Cornwall bird lacking orange in its plumage has always cast a slight shadow, since it is rare in the wild.

WOOD THRUSH
Hylocichla mustelina
Although recorded twice on the Azores, this is the only American migrant thrush with only one UK record. Furthermore, only one boatload made it to St. Agnes in 1987, and it wasn't seen again.

SWAINSON'S THRUSH SHETLAND 2022
Catharus ustulatus
Just over fifty records, about 20% in Ireland. since the first in 1956, it has slowly become more regular, in fact three were reported this year. A large percentage have been on Scilly.

HERMIT THRUSH
Catharus guttatus
Thirteen records in Britain, usually short stayers and all but one on Scilly, Shetland or the Outer Hebrides. A difficult one to catch up with. I saw one in 1987 but my camera dipped.

GREY-CHEEKED THRUSH POTTERS BAR 2005
Catharus minimus
Probably the most common vagrant thrush from America, with over eighty records since the first in 1953. Often on Scilly, and frequent multiple records, in 1986 there were twelve.

VEERY SHETLAND 2023
Catharus fuscescens
Of fourteen accepted records since 1970 only two have been at mainland sites. However a bird staying on Lundy for a month in 1987 ensured many birders have it on their list.

WHITE'S THRUSH SHETLAND 2023
Zoothera aurea
Just over 120 records but most aren't twitchable. The first record remaining acceptable was shot in 1928 in Suffolk. Few on the mainland, becoming more and more a Shetland speciality.

SIBERIAN THRUSH SHETLAND 2025
Geokichla sibirica
A difficult bird to catch up with. 16 accepted records, but most are seen briefly and never again. A bird on Shetland in 2022 was seen by 3 people. This year's bird at Loch Asta was exceptional.

SONG THRUSH
Turdus philomelos
Locally common resident, about one million pairs, also a migrant and winter visitor. Commonly in parks, gardens, hedgerows etc.

MISTLE THRUSH
Turdus viscivorus
A widespread but thinly spread resident, about 200,000 pairs. Also found in more open habitats such as moorland.

REDWING
Turdus iliacus
A common winter visitor, about 650,000 birds, usually in flocks. A tiny number breed in SCotland (up to 12 pairs).

BLACKBIRD
Turdus merula
An estimated 4.6 million pairs breed, with slightly more in Ireland. Also a migrant with large influxes in winter on occasion.

EYEBROWED THRUSH TRESCO 1990
Turdus obscurus
The first three records of this Asian thrush were all in 1964. It has gradually become more frequent and there are now about 30 records.

FIELDFARE
Turdus pilaris
Varying numbers of this thrush visit every winter, often in large flocks with Redwings. There is sporadic breeding in Scotland.

RING OUZEL
Turdus torquatus
A local scarce breeding bird of uplands in the north and west, sadly declining. Quite numerous on migration but very widespread.

BLACK-THROATED THRUSH GRIMSBY 2017
Turdus atrogularis
The commonest Asian vagrant thrush with about 100 records since 1950. Most are autumn migrants, many probably overwinter.

RED-THROATED THRUSH
Turdus ruficollis
There have been reports of possibles, but the one bird at the Naze in 1994 remains the only accepted record. Sadly, we were in Egypt at the time, and photographed it in Mongolia.

DUSKY THRUSH BEELEY 2016
Turdus eunomus
Seventeen accepted records, the first in 1905 but "not proven" until 1959. Although some have overwintered, they are often one-day birds which move on.

NAUMANN'S THRUSH
Turdus naumanni
Formerly lumped with Dusky, there have been two records of this taxon, amazingly both in the Woodford, Essex area. The 1990 bird stayed four weeks, the 1997 bird seven days.

AMERICAN ROBIN EASTBOURNE 2022
Turdus migratorius
About forty records since 1952, plus three in the 19th century. Seems to turn up every few years with a ten year gap 1988-1998. Most birds are long-stayers.

RUFOUS-TAILED SCRUB ROBIN STIFFKEY 2020
Cercotrichas galactotes
Known by several names over time, thirteen accepted records widely spread from 1854. There was a gap from 1980 to 2020, when police allowed a "gathering" contra Covid regulations.

ASIAN BROWN FLYCATCHER
Muscicapa dauurica
Four accepted records of this close relative of Spotted Flycatcher, plus four earlier records now not proven. Two of the records have been on Fair Isle, and none has lingered more than two days.

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER
Muscicapa striata
A declining species of woods, parks and gardens, in some parts it is only seen on migration A decline in insects is the likely reason, but it is found over the whole of the UK.

ROBIN
Erithacus rubecula
About ten million pairs inhabit Britain and Ireland, and numbers are swelled by birds coming here to winter. They seem to have adapted to human prescence, being more secretive on the continent.

WHITE-THROATED ROBIN
Irania gutturalis
Just three occurences of this attractive species.The first, in 1983 was on the Isle of Man and was the only male. Females occcured in 1990 and 2011, the latter being twitchable.

THRUSH NIGHTINGALE LANDGUARD 1995
Luscinia luscinia
A rare but annual migrant, the problem is seeing one. So secretive and rarely leaves thick cover, many records are trapped or sound recorded. This bird at Landguard for nearly 3 weeks,was an exception.

NIGHTINGALE
Luscinia megarhynchos
Only slightly easier to see, some 7500 pairs breed in the southeast of England. The easily recognised song is usually from a thicket, but may be more in the open on occasion, as may migrants.

BLUETHROAT SHETLAND 2022
Luscinia svecica
A common migrant, both in spring and autumn. Birds have oversummered, however there has only been one breeding record of White-spotted and four of Red-spotted, the last in 2016.

SIBERIAN RUBYTHROAT
Calliope calliope
Seventeen accepted records, the first on Fair Isle in 1975. Most are on the Northern Isles, and rarely twitchable.

SIBERIAN BLUE ROBIN
Larvivora cyane
Of four accepted records two have been on North Ronaldsay. The first was seen briefly at Minsmere in 2000, but never again, and the last was killed by a cat on Foula.

RUFOUS-TAILED ROBIN
Larvivora sibilans
North Ronaldsay, (found dead), Fair Isle (1st record 2004), Fetlar. Sounds familiar? A bird in Norfolk in 2011 was twitchable if you were within a half an hour's drive.

RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER RECULVER 1996
Ficedula parva
A regular autumn migrant through (mainly) coastal wooded areas. Most birds are in non-breeding plumage, but occasionally an early migrant still lives up to its name.

TAIGA FLYCATCHER FLAMBOROUGH 2003
Ficedula albicilla
Very similar to Red-breasted Flcatcher, the first record was in 2003 at Flamborough. Since then another five have been accepted

PIED FLYCATCHER
Ficedula hypoleuca
A scarce locally common breeder primarily in oak woodlands in the west. Quite common coastally on migration.

COLLARED FLYCATCHER ETHIE MAINS 1996
Ficedula albicollis
About sixty records of this rare migrant, only one in Ireland. Most are near the coast in woodlands and spring birds are more frequent.

RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL SHETLAND 2023
Tarsiger cyanurus
At one time a major rarity, although the first record was 1903, after the famous Winspit bird in 1993 it has become annual since 1998, (except for 2000!).

BLACK REDSTART
Phoenicurus ochruros
About fifty pairs scattered across southern England, more readily seen as a migrant, with a few wintering. 19 records of the vagrant Eastern race, which is very different.

REDSTART
Phoenicurus phoenicurus
Breeding mainly in oakwoods, but also stone walls in upland areas, the population of 100,000 pairs is declining, but birds are seen on migration in coastal areas.

MOUSSIER'S REDSTART
Phoenicurus moussieri
The sole English record, in Wales in 1988, was found by a tour party, and thought to be a real "one-off". However there have been records in France, Spain and Italy.

ROCK THRUSH OLD HUNSTANTON 1995
Monticola saxatilis
33 records, plus one in Ireland, but a difficult species to pin down, as most are short stayers. A 1995 bird in Norfolk was injured by a Sparrowhawk, but still only stayed four days.

BLUE ROCK THRUSH
Monticola solitarius
Eleven accepted records to date. The first was on Tiree in 1985. The two 1999 records may have been the same bird.

WHINCHAT
Saxicola rubetra
A scarce breeder and migrant, breeding mainly in the north and west, but migrants usually coastal. Heaths are the preferred habitat.

AMUR STONECHAT SALTHOUSE 2018
Saxicola stejnegeri
Eleven accepted records between 2016 and 2022, but is almost impossible to seperate from Siberian Stonechat without DNA analysis.

SIBERIAN STONECHAT SHETLAND 2023
Saxicola maurus
Seventeen records between 2015 and 2022 using DNA analysis, but indeterminate records (from 1913) number nearly 450.

STONECHAT
Saxicola rubicola
Locally a fairly common breeder in suitable habitat, heaths and scrubby areas. A number of birds are migrants or winter visitors also, and birds move towards the coast in harsh winters.

WHEATEAR
Oenanthe oenanthe
Over half a million birds breed, mainly in the north and west in upland areas. A widespread migrant, joined by numbers of the "Greenland" race leucorhoa.

ISABELLINE WHEATEAR GUGH 1991
Oenanthe isabellina
A bird shot in 1887 was the first record but all others were "not proven" until 1977, since when they have gradually become more frequent, although improved identification is a factor.

DESERT WHEATEAR CAISTER 2005
Oenanthe deserti
Probably the most common vagrant wheatear, with almost 200 records since 1880. Most are in late autumn, and many birds stay for long periods as if attempting to winter.

WESTERN BLACK-EARED WHEATEAR STIFFKEY 1993
Oenanthe hispanica
Of the twelve records of this species, all in Britain, few have stayed long enough to twitch, the exception being this bird in Norfolk (1993). Most birds are female/1st winter.

PIED WHEATEAR WAXHAM 2003
Oenanthe pleschanka
Of nearly one hundred accepted records only three were before 1950, and there have been only three in Ireland. A reasonably regular vagrant, not quite annual.

EASTERN BLACK-EARED WHEATEAR
Oenanthe melanoleuca
Initially lumped with Western, but each taxon is identifiable. Ten records in total, all have been in May or June, except a bird on Fair Isle intermittently from July to September.

WHITE-CROWNED BLACK WHEATEAR
Oenanthe leucopyga
A real one hit wonder. Despite breeding in Morocco not a sniff since 1982 (Suffolk). Could be confused with Black Wheatear, there is one Irish record which is either/or.

DIPPER
Cinclus cinclus
Found on fast-flowing water, this scarce resident mainly breeds in Wales,Scotland and the west side of England. Numbers are more in winter, including the black-bellied race from the continent.

ROCK SPARROW
Petronia petronia
Another lone record, from June 1981, this time only seen by two observers. A common species over much of southern Europe in to Asia, it could be overlooked as a female House Sparrow.

TREE SPARROW
Passer montanus
A scarce local resident, mainly on the east side of the country. Slowly declining, partly due to competition from House Sparrows, but quite common in some small areas.

SPANISH SPARROW WATERSIDE 1997
Passer hispaniolensis
Ten accepted records since 1866, the last in 2012. A male in Cumbria was present fom 13th July 1997 to 13th December 1998, seemingly quite settled with a sparrow flock.

HOUSE SPARROW
Passer domesticus
Formerly abundant, after population decreases this familiar species still numbers about six million pairs in Great Britain, although it is absent in some areas Largely tied to human habitation.

ALPINE ACCENTOR SUFFOLK 2022
Prunella collaris
A vagrant from mountainous regions of the continent. Many early records have been rejected, but there are still about forty. An erratic visitor, none for several years and then annual for a while.

SIBERIAN ACCENTOR EASINGTON 2016
Prunella montanella
For many years there was only one vagrant Accentor on the British List, then in 2016 there was an influx with 13 records of this beauty. A further record in 2017 probably arrived undetected with the rest.

DUNNOCK
Prunella modularis
Common and widespread, with up to 4 million pairs in the UK, but relatively unobtrusive. Has been known by other names such as Hedge Sparrow, but Dunnock was its early English name

YELLOW WAGTAIL
Motacilla flava
A scarce and local summer breeder over much of England and parts of southern Scotland. However, migrants provide more interest as several races are regular visitors, especially Blue-headed.

EASTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL NORFOLK 2020
Motacilla tschutschensis
Formerly part of the Yellow Wagtail complex, records have become annual during autumn in a short space of time, although there is a retained specimen from Fair Isle in 1909.

CITRINE WAGTAIL HAMPSHIRE 1993
Motacilla citreola
A reasonably common vagrant in autumn with several hundred records. Most are ist winter, but there are a few spring records of adult (and thus yellow) birds.

GREY WAGTAIL
Motacilla cinerea
A locally common resident throughout lowland areas, found on clean mill streams and rivers. Also a winter visitor when it may be found anywhere near water e.g. my garden pond.

PIED WAGTAIL
Motacilla alba
A common breeding bird throughout, found in many habitats except forest. The race alba is a scace migrant, but a few pairs have bred on the Northern Isles.

RICHARD'S PIPIT
Anthus richardi
A scarce migrant with about 100 records annually. Split into several species worldwide, but these are Asian birds. Very similar to Blyth's Pipit, both occasionally winter here.

BLYTH'S PIPIT LANDGUARD 1994
Anthus godlewskii
Three large pipits occur in the UK, this is the rarest, wth about 30 records. Apart from a bird "caught" in 1882, all records are since 1988, but undoubtedly some are overlooked.

TAWNY PIPIT SUFFOLK 1995
Anthus campestris
A regular vagrant from southern Europe, but declining. Most records are in spring in the south of England, but autumn birds do occur, as do records as far north as Shetland.

MEADOW PIPIT
Anthus pratensis
A common resident in the right habitat, tending to breed in higher areas of heathland and moors. Also a common migrant and winter visitor to lower areas.

TREE PIPIT
Anthus trivialis
A summer breeder only, on heaths, plantations and woodland edges. Only about 74,000 pairs and rarely seen outside April to October.

OLIVE-BACKED PIPIT NORFOLK 2002
Anthus hodgsoni
Between ten and twenty vagrants per year, sometimes more and usually in autumn near coasts. A bit of a skulker.

PECHORA PIPIT
Anthus gustavi
From 1925 there were 15 records, all on Fair Isle. The first mainland record was in 1966, the current total is 120+, but only nine on the mainland.

RED-THROATED PIPIT
Anthus cervinus
A mainly coastal rare migrant from Scandanavia, usually in autumn but also in spring when the red throat is apparent. About 10 annually but declining. I've never got a decent shot in UK

AMERICAN PIPIT SCILLY 1988
Anthus rubescens
The actual number of occurences in the past is unclear due to taxonomic changes, as it was not considered a good species until the 1980's. A reasonably regular vagrant now.

WATER PIPIT
Anthus spinoletta
A scarce and very localised winter visitor, nearly always near water but only tied to certain locations. It is one of few birds which migrate west from mountainous regions of Europe.

ROCK PIPIT
Anthus petrosus
Previously lumped with Water Pipit this common resident is a localised breeder, moving to other coastal areas in winter, when it may be joined by Scandinavian birds of the race littoralis.

CHAFFINCH
Fringilla coelebs
A very common resident and one of our most familiar birds, up to 10 million in the UK. Also a winter visitor, and there were reports of African Chaffinch before the split.

BRAMBLING
Fringilla montifringilla
A scarce winter visitor, but both numbers and occurences are very erratic. In some years there may be hundreds at a particular site, always seen on autumn migration in Shetland.

EVENING GROSBEAK
Hesperiphona vespertina
A "holy grail" bird. The only male was in 1969 on St' Kilda, followed by a female in Highland in 1980. They are listed as vulnerable and declining in North America, so there may be no more.

HAWFINCH
Coccothraustes coccothraustes
A rare and local resident found in old woodland with Hornbeam and Beech especially. Sadly declining, but occasional winter influxes boost numbers.

PINE GROSBEAK SHETLAND 1992
Pinicola enucleator
A much-wanted species which is prone to irruptive behaviour, but as the years pass hopes of a repeat of the 1992 Shetland bird fade. Eight records since 1950, but few twitchable, either due to location or length of stay.

BULLFINCH
Pyrrhula pyrrhula
A locally fairly common resident of woodlands, thickets and hedgerows, but far more common in Ireland. The northern European (nominate) race pyrrhula is a rare winter visitor, the photo is such a bird, taken in Lincolnshire.

TRUMPETER FINCH LANDGUARD 2005
Bucanetes githagineus
A rare vagrant, erratic in its appearence. Two in 1971 were followed by a ten-year gap. There were four in the 80's, one in the 90's, then four in 2005, three in 2008, since when there have been just two, in 2010 and 2011.

COMMON ROSEFINCH NORFOLK 2002
Carpodacus erythrinus
A scarce migrant from north-east Europe, both in spring and autumn. Numbers vary, usually a few hundred, and it has bred sporadically. More frequent in the northern isles, they are aways on Shetland in autumn.

GREENFINCH
Chloris chloris
A common resident, again more so in Ireland. Also a winter visitor when birds often flock. Found in many habitats.

TWITE
Linaria flavirostris
A scarce resident of upland areas in (mainly) Scotland. Birds migrate south to low-lying coastal areas, but they are rare and very local.

LINNET
Linaria cannabina
A common resident, migrant and winter visitor. Over half a million pairs breed, on heaths, rough grassland and set-aside.

REDPOLL
Acanthis flammea
A scarce and local resident, but several former species are migrants and winter visitors. Surely they are part-way to speciation?

PARROT CROSSBILL
Loxia pytyopsittacus
Long thought to be an erratic vagrant with up to ten records annually, but a few pairs breed in the Scottish Highlands. Usually single records, but small influxes do occur in the south.

SCOTTISH CROSSBILL
Loxia scotica
Everything about this species is "thought to be" because it is difficult to identify unless calling. Restricted to pine Forest in the Scottish Highlands, but movements if any unclear.

CROSSBILL
Loxia curvirostra
A scarce and local resident whose numbers are boosted by periodic irruptions. Some birds may stay to breed in coniferous areas, but numbers are variable.

TWO-BARRED CROSSBILL
Loxia leucoptera
A very rare migrant in autumn and winter. Like all crossbills it is irruptive but northern Europe is its main breeding area. There are Nearctic races which could reach here.

GOLDFINCH
Carduelis carduelis
A common resident with 300,00 pairs, and three times that in Ireland. Found in open areas, numbers increase in winter both through young birds and migrants, usually forming flocks.

CITRIL FINCH BURNHAM OVERY DUNES 2015
Carduelis citrinella
An unlikely vagrant, four early records are "not proven" although two specimens are still in existence. A 2008 bird was followed by one in Norfolk in 2015.

SERIN
Serinus serinus
A rare migrant with up to forty annually. Usually in spring, and a few have remained to breed, but also noted in autumn. Most records are near the coast in woods and villages.

SISKIN
Spinus spinus
Locally a fairly common resident, favouring the north and west, but many areas only see them in winter when they favour Alders, Birches and Conifers. Readily come to feeders.

LAPLAND BUNTING
Calcarius lapponicus
A scarce and local winter visitor, usually coastal. Often on saltmarsh, but also nearby rough fields and grassland, there were regular sites in the past but no longer.

SNOW BUNTING
Plectrophenax nivalis
A previously common but local winter visitor which seems to be in decline. Usually coastal, but also high moors inland. A few pairs breed in the Scottish highlands.

CORN BUNTING
Emberiza calandra
A scarce and local resident, but in decline due to agricultural changes, being tied to farmland and grassy downs. Breeding birds are very disjunct, and it is only a vagrant in Ireland.

YELLOWHAMMER
Emberiza citrinella
Locally common in Britain and Ireland, with about one million breeding pairs in total. Found on heaths, downs farmland and moorland edges, ranging widely in winter.

PINE BUNTING CHOSELEY 2004
Emberiza leucocephalos
Two records before 1950, and just over sixty since. Most of these were in the eighties and nineties, records in the 21st century have averaged about one a year.

ROCK BUNTING
Emberiza cia
There were seven records from 1902 to 1967, only four of which remain acceptable. The only subsequent record was a one day bird pnotographed in Yorkshire in 2011.

ORTOLAN BUNTING
Emberiza hortulana
At one time a rare but regular migrant with 20-30 records annually, its decline (partly due to illegal trapping as a restaurant delicacy), has resulted in far fewer records.

CRETZSCHMAR'S BUNTING
Emberiza caesia
Seven accepted records since 1967, one of which was twitchable briefly. THe last, in 2019 at Minsmere, was photographed and reported initially as an Ortolan, but never seen again.

CIRL BUNTING
Emberiza cirlus
A rare local resident mainly in Devon and Cornwall. Once more widespread in southern England and needed a re-introduction scheme to prevent its loss in the UK. However on the increase again due to conservation measures.

CHESTNUT-EARED BUNTING
Emberiza fucata
Two records, in 2004 on Fair Isle and 2012 on Mainland Shetland. Similarity to Little Bunting means it could have been overlooked in the past if not seen well, a report on Scilly in 2019 was probably a Little Bunting.

LITTLE BUNTING
Emberiza pusilla
A rare migrant and winter visitor, mainly in the north and east, coming from northeast Europe. Only a vagrant to Ireland. It is found mainly coastally in grassland and bushes, but many birds are not long-stayers and seem constantly on the move.

YELLOW-BROWED BUNTING ST.AGNES 1992
Emberiza chrysophrys
Six records since the first in 1975. There was another this year, trapped and ringed and never seen again. As I am unlikely to photograph one, this is the bird I saw on St. Agnes, by Rob Wilson, who stayed overnight to avoid the crowds.

RUSTIC BUNTING
Emberiza rustica
Over six hundred records since the end of the 19th century. Probably most frequent in the 1980's and 90's, although many birds were on Shetland. Still annual but some years only a few, both spring (especially May) and autumn

YELLOW-BREASTED BUNTING
Emberiza aureola
At one time this was a reasonably regular migrant with several records a year, albeit most on Shetland. The destruction of populations by the Chinese has resulted in only one record since 2018, on Lundy in 2023

CHESTNUT BUNTING
Emberiza rutila
As with several buntings, it is very difficult to determine genuine records. There is one accepted record on Orkney in 2015, the bird illustrated is almost certainly an escape but....

BLACK-HEADED BUNTING SUFFOLK 2002
Emberiza melanocephala
It is impossible to determine the provenance of this species for certain, but undoubtedly many records are genuine, including adults in spring, May-June being the main period.

RED-HEADED BUNTING
Emberiza bruniceps
A popular cagebird accepted in Category D, a 1W bird in 2023 finally gained Cat.A status, and a review is under way. Some were probably genuine vagrants, but it's probably too late.

BLACK-FACED BUNTING PENNINGTON FLASH 1994
Emberiza spodocephala
Many people didn't bother with the first in 1994 because of the escape possibility, but it went straight on to Category A. It has been shown to be almost annual, with several reports this year.

PALLAS'S REED BUNTING
Emberiza pallasi
You'll be lucky! 4 accepted records, two Fair Isle, one at sea, the other identified retrospectively after several years. None since 2010, this year's bird on Fair Isle was only available for a few hours.

REED BUNTING
Emberiza schoeniclus
Locally common, found anywhere near lowland fresh water. Also a migrant, and birds may enter gardens etc. in winter. Ubiquitous in reedbeds, where they breed, and often in song.

LARK SPARROW
Chondestes grammacus
Two records, one in 1981 in Suffolk, the other 1991 in Norfolk. For many years the first wasn't accepted, but changes in the attitude to "ship assistance" have resulted in both being accepted.

DARK-EYED JUNCO LANGHAM 2007
Junco hyemalis
Just over 60 records since 1960, the first was in Ireland in 1905 but only about four there since. Two at sea, and a bird in Hampshire which wintered 1987-90. All have been the nominate race.

NORTH AMERICAN LANDBIRDS.
A somewhat different pattern of vagrancy as most North American passerines are bought here by storms, although some are attracted to ships, such as New World Sparrows. Very erratic in occurence obviously, some are quite frequent, whereas others are "one-offs". Due to taxonomic order, some will have already appeared on this page, but most, including warblers, are below. Warblers are the reason I finally gave up "full-on" twitching, since having visited Magee and Pelee and seen them in breeding plumage it lessens the attraction of 1st winter birds, especially if far flung.

EASTERN PHOEBE
Sayornis phoebe
A bird on Lundy in 1987 was seen on the mainland but not positively identified. Another was found dead in Tilbury Docks in 2010.

YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER
Empidonax flaviventris
On Tiree for a week in 2020, Covid restrictions restricted access to this bird and few birders bothered.

ACADIAN FLYCATCHER
Empidonax virescens
A brief visitor to Dungeness in September 2015, not positively seen on its second day. Identity later confirmed by DNA analysis.

ALDER FLYCATCHER
Empidonax alnorum
Two accepted records (Nanjizal 2008 and Blakeney 2010) and two pending from Skokholm in 2023 and Inishbofin in 2022.

EASTERN KINGBIRD
Tyrannus tyrannus
Two birds in Ireland in 2012 and 2013, plus one on the Outer Hebrides in 2016 give some hope there may be further records.

RED-EYED VIREO
Vireo olivaceus
Probably the commonest American passerine to reach the UK, not accepted until 1951 (Ireland) and 1962 (Scilly). Now over 200 records.

PHILADELPHIA VIREO
Vireo philadelphicus
Unlike its congener, only three records. Two were in Ireland but the 1987 bird on Tresco was one of the biggest ever twitches at that time.

YELLOW-THROATED VIREO
Vireo flavifrons
Even rarer, only one record in Cornwall in 1990, although probables have been reported on Scilly recently, the last in 2023.

WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW SHETLAND 2023
Zonotrichia leucophrys
Both Zonotrichia sparrows are ship-hoppers, but this is by far the rarer of the two, with under twenty records. Several recently have been of the race gambelii.

WHITE-THROATED SPARROW WILLINGHAM 1992
Zonotrichia albicollis
A couple of early records, then from 1961 another sixty-odd. Most have been in spring, and a couple on North Sea oil platforms, but there have been records of wintering birds.

SAVANNAH SPARROW
Passerculus sandwichensis
Just three records. The first, at Portland in April 1982, was an Ipswich Sparrow, which breeds only on the island of Nova Scotia. Birds in the autumns of 1987 and 2003 were both on Fair Isle.

SONG SPARROW SEAFORTH 1994
Melospiza melodia
Exactly ten records, the last in 2020, although there is a record pending from this year in Yorkshire. Five, including the first, were on Fair Isle, only the 1994 Seaforth bird being readily twitchable.

EASTERN TOWHEE
Pipilo erythrophthalmus
A female trapped on Lundy in 1966 is the sole record. It is seemingly a one-off, although one was reported on Shetland in 2023 by a single observer.

BOBOLINK PRAWLE POINT 2001
Dolichonyx oryzivorus
Thirty-six records since 1962, plus a 2023 bird pending. Many have been on Scilly, somewhat less on the Northern Isles, with few mainland birds.

BALTIMORE ORIOLE HEADINGTON 2003
Icterus galbula
Just over 30 records, again few on the mainland, although a bird spent a month in an Oxford garden in winter 2003. The 1st record was in 1890.

RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD
Agelaius phoeniceus
Given the numbers in the USA, rather more than the one on North Ronaldsay in 2017 might have been expected, but they are not long-distance migrants.

BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD
Molothrus ater
Five accepted records, the first in 1988. All have been in spring or summer, with three in 2009, and the last in 2010. Personally I cannot raise the enthusiasm to see one here.

OVENBIRD
Seiurus aurocapilla
Just six records in Britain (plus three in Ireland). The first in 1973, and one found dead. Two have been twitchable, a moribund bird on Scilly but the only long-stayer was suppressed.

NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH
Parkesia noveboracensis
Seven records plus two in Ireland. Five from Scilly, including the first in 1958, and an overwintering bird in 2011. Another overwintering was last year's in Essex.

GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER
Vermivora chrysoptera
The now famous bird in 1989, which spent January to April on a housing estate in Kent, looks destined to be the only record, as the species is in trouble in the USA.

BLACK and WHITE WARBLER NORWICH 1996
Mniotilta varia
Apart from a bird found dead on Shetland in 1936, there have been 18 records from 1975, seven on Scilly but also two in Norfolk.

TENNESSEE WARBLER
Leiothlypis peregrina
1975 also saw the first Tennessee Warbler, on Fair Isle. There have been a further five, and 2-3 pending. All on islands, especially Shetland.

COMMON YELLOWTHROAT RHIWDERIN 2012
Geothlypis trichas
An autumn bird on Lundy in 1954, thirty years before the next on Fetlar. The total now stands at ten, quite widespread. Only two in spring.

HOODED WARBLER
Setophaga citrina
A female on St. Agnes in 1970 was the first record, staying three days. The only other was a one-day bird on St Kilda in 1992.

AMERICAN REDSTART
Setophaga ruticilla
Six accepted records in Britain and two in Ireland, the first in 1967 and the last in 2017. Like many American landbirds it occurs on the Azores so maybe another will reach here soon.

CAPE MAY WARBLER
Setophaga tigrina
Three occurences, the first of which was a male in song in 1977. Two more birds, on Unst in 2013 and Scilly 2023 were both 1w females, which unlike some are quite drab.

NORTHERN PARULA
Setophaga americana
About seventeen records in Britain, the last in 2023. For a while in the 1980's vagrants became quite frequent, usually autumn birds, but less nowadays.

MAGNOLIA WARBLER
Setophaga magnolia
1981 St. Agnes, 2012 Fair Isle, and a well-twitched bird in Glamorgan in 2023. One of the more colourful American Warblers in first-winter plumage.

BAY-BREASTED WARBLER
Setophaga castanea
The first accepted record in 1995 was viewed with suspicion by some as it was a single observer report. However it was photographed, and the finder vindicated when another turned up on Ramsey Island in 2023.

BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER
Setophaga fusca
Records read like a rare island bird tour-Skomer(1961), Fair Isle(1988), St. Kilda(2009) Bryher(2022) and Shetland(2023). Missed the last by a couple of days, but saw 24 in one morning at Pelee.

YELLOW WARBLER
Setophaga aestiva
Eleven accepted records, the first on Bardsey in 1964. Appropriately, no more till 1990, when twitching was firmly established. five of those records were in Ireland and only one on the mainland.

CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER
Setophaga pensylvanica
A real rarity, responsible for one of the biggest ever dips when a bird found at Prawle Point in 1995 wasn't there the following day. The only other record was a one-day bird on Fetlar in 1985. Not many records from the Azores either.

BLACKPOLL WARBLER SEAFORTH 1997
Setophaga striata
Probably the commonest North American warbler, over 65 records including Ireland. The first two were in 1968, and all have been in autumn except this one, which was present for one day in June and probably ship-assisted.

MYRTLE WARBLER RAMSEY ISLAND 1994
Setophaga tigrina
Less common than Blackpoll, but still approaching fifty records from 1955. Particularly frequent in the 1980's and again in the 2010's. Records are widespread, Ramsey Island has had two. Still called Yellow-rumped on the BOU list.

CANADA WARBLER KILBAHA 2006
Cardellina canadensis
This species was not on the British list until 2023, when a bird was found in Pembrokeshire. However many birders have used the combined British and Irish Lists (split in 1952) and the bird at Kilbaha preceeded it in 2006.

WILSON'S WARBLER
Setophaga magnolia
For many years a bird seen at Rame Head in 1985 by only a handful of people (including a friend of mine) was the sole record, but birds on the Outer Hebrides in 2015 and Dursey Island in 2013 have given renewed hope.

SUMMER TANAGER
Piranga rubra
A record on Bardsey Island in 1957 of a 1W male (trapped) is the only record. ID was uncertain until photos and measurements were sent to the States. It is on the Azores list so another is not impossible.

SCARLET TANAGER
Piranga olivacea
Thirteen records from 1963, six of which were from Ireland. All except one of the others was in Cornwall or on Scilly, the last location being Barra, in the Outer Hebrides.

ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK SHETLAND 2021
Pheucticus ludovicianus
The first British record was in 1966, one of 17 on the Scillies. Ireland has claimed nine, but Shetland only three. One of those was in spring, two in 2016 being the only spring records.

INDIGO BUNTING RAMSEY 1996
Passerina cyanea
A bird in Ireland in 1985 was accepted, but one in Norfolk was deemed an escape, despite erroneous evidence. Four accepted records now, but several in the last few years, some seem a little suspect.

AA BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY
ALAN & ANN TATE
e-mail:-alan@aabirdpix.com