British Ornithologists' Union (BOU) British List

The list of British Birds maintained by the British Ornithologists' Union. Generally held to be the 'official' list for British birders, albeit the most conservative one. If you have no strong opinions on list authorities, it is recommended that this is the one you use.

Within BUBO Listing, the BOU authority can be used for lists in Britain, the constituent countries of England, Scotland and Wales, and smaller units of Britain such as counties. Note that the BOU List does not apply to Ireland (but see the 'Britain and Ireland' authority).

The latest updates of the BOU list included within BUBO Listing are the 40th report of the BOU Records Committee, as published in the journal Ibis. The report added Madeiran Storm-petrel to Category A of the British list, and confirmed the splitting of Hudsonian Whimbrel, Cabot's Tern and Siberian Stonechat (as previously trailed).

Note that BUBO Listing also includes six more 'provisional' species not currently recognised as occurring in a wild form in Britain by the BOURC: Lesser Canada Goose, White-winged Scoter, Slaty-backed Gull, Elegant Tern, Alder Flycatcher and House Finch.

Note also - recent recommended changes to the systematic order of species have not been implemented yet; for the time being, it is considered that this would be confusing and make it difficult for listers to locate species (particularly passerines) in the list. We will keep this under review however.

Species currently considered as comprising the BOU British List for BUBO Listing purposes are shown below. Please note that any comments shown are those of BUBO Listing and are not necessarily endorsed by the BOU.