Subject: Changes to list of species requiring assessment by the RC [Print This Page] Author: cgeoff Time: 2/12/2006 17:46 Subject: Changes to list of species requiring assessment by the RC
At the recent Records Committee (RC) meeting on 29th November, the following were removed from the list of species requiring assessment by the RC:
Streaked ShearwaterCalonectris leucomelas
The HKBWS seabird survey and other observations indicate that this bird is fairly numerous in sea areas off Hong Kong, and that neither records from boats nor its occasional appearance within sight of land can be considered unusual.
Eurasian SparrowhawkAccipiter nisus
Observations indicate this species is regularly present on passage and in the winter in the Deep Bay area, and that the requirement to submit detailed description is clouding the status of this species.
Amur FalconFalco amurensis
This is now known to be a regular passage migrant in autumn, when it is probably the commonest small falcon after Eurasian Kestrel.
Brown Fish OwlKetupa zeylonensis
A scarce resident species, whose rarity is largely determined by lack of survey in appropriate habitat (undisturbed coastal areas with a freshwater stream, or reservoirs) at the correct time of day.
Styan’s Grasshopper WarblerLocustella pleskei
A regular winter visitor and passage migrant through wetlands in the Deep Bay area, in particular areas of mangrove.
Greenish WarblerPhylloscopus trochiloides
A regular passage migrant and winter visitor to forest and shrubland.
Yellow-bellied TitParus venustulus
An irruptive winter visitor for which periods of scarcity should be expected.
Records of these (or any other species) outside the known pattern of occurrence will, however, require examination by the RC. Thus, if you should note any species in unusual habitat, numbers or time of year, please take notes or photographs, and submit the record using the Unusual Record Report Form.
The following species was added to the list of those requiring substantiation:
Black-headed IbisThreskiornis melanocephalus
This once regular winter visitor to Deep Bay is now extremely rare, and its east Asian population has obviously declined tremendously. Because of this decline and also the possibility that escaped individuals of Sacred Ibis (which occur in Taiwan) might cloud perceptions of its status, records of this species now require substantiation and examination by the RC.
The Unusual Record Report Form can be downloaded at:
