Subject: Record Committee Decision 2026 [Print This Page] Author: HKBWS Tung Time: 8/03/2026 16:53 Subject: Record Committee Decision 2026
At a meeting on 10 February 2026, the Record Committee made the following decisions:
Addition to Cat I and II
• Tickell's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus affinis — recorded on Po Toi, 1 - 3 May 2025
With assessing of photographs and vocalisation recordings collected at Po Toi, multiple records found along east China coast in spring migration period, this species is added into Cat I of the Hong Kong List.
• Great Myna Acridotheres grandis - moved from Category III to Category IIB due to sustained feral breeding population with juvenile records in the Deep Bay area since the mid-2010s.
New subspecies record
• Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica tytleri — records from Lok Ma Chau EEA (8 Nov 2021) and Ma Tso Lung (5 Dec 2024).
• White Wagtail Motacilla alba baicalensis/dukhuensis — records from Sai Sha, Sai Kung (26 Nov 2019) and Lok Ma Chau EEA (5 Oct 2022) accepted as baicalensis/dukhuensis; Mai Po Access Road (2–4 Mar 2024) and Lok Ma Chau EEA (5–6 Mar 2024) accepted as baicalensis.
Observers are encouraged to submit URF for records of these subspecies.
The HK list now stands at 590 species in Cat I and II. An updated HK List will be published after this announcement.
Species review
Chestnut-tailed Starling Sturnia malabarica
• Four records remain valid as wild; many recent urban sightings likely involve ex-captive birds, including western subspecies S. m. malabarica.
URF assessment update
Assessments of the following species are about to commence:
Hen Harrier (autumn 2025), Grey‑necked Bunting, Ashy Woodswallow, Wedge‑tailed Shearwater, Pale Blue Flycatcher, Gray’s Grasshopper Warbler, Asian Desert Warbler, Savannah Sparrow, Scaly‑sided Merganser, Asian Black Eagle, Blyth’s Paradise Flycatcher, Purple Sunbird, Altai Accentor, and Ornate Sunbird flammaxilaris
Hong Kong Bird Report
• HKBR 2021 nearing publication; HKBR 2022 preparation to begin.
[Post-meeting note: HKBR 2021 has been published in February 2026.]
IOC / AviList update
• AviList adoption deferred until release of the 2026 update.
