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Thought Police
British Birds January 2017
The January 2017 issue of British Birds is now out.
BB eye
The digital issue, by Stephen Menzie
CSI: Birding – DNA-based identification of birds
DNA-based identification of birds has become routine and presents enormous possibilities for expanding our knowledge of identification, migration patterns and breeding ranges. This paper has been written to explain the theoretical background of DNA-based identification, to attempt to demystify the process, and to provide practical information useful for birders and ringers.
Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 2014: passerines
The year 2014 was a record year for three of the passerines featured in this report: Red-breasted Flycatcher, Little Bunting and ‘Siberian Chiffchaff’, although there are just seven years of data for the last taxon. It was the second-best year on record for Barred Warbler and Olive-backed Pipit. At the opposite end of the spectrum, it was one of the poorest years on record for Melodious Warbler, Aquatic Warbler, Bluethroat and Ortolan Bunting.
Notes Prey taken and other specific behaviour by breeding Peregrine Falcons in the Maltese Islands; Barn Swallows entering a house to catch flies; Predation of Barn Swallow colony by Eurasian Sparrowhawk
Letters Bringing avian taxonomy into disrepute: Harold Hanson’s works on Canada Geese; A tale of two raptors
Best Bird Book of the Year 2016
Book reviews, Recent reports and News & comment complete the January issue.
For more details, and to see a recent issue of the magazine, visit our website at www.britishbirds.co.uk
The January 2017 issue of British Birds is now out.
BB eye
The digital issue, by Stephen Menzie
CSI: Birding – DNA-based identification of birds
DNA-based identification of birds has become routine and presents enormous possibilities for expanding our knowledge of identification, migration patterns and breeding ranges. This paper has been written to explain the theoretical background of DNA-based identification, to attempt to demystify the process, and to provide practical information useful for birders and ringers.
Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 2014: passerines
The year 2014 was a record year for three of the passerines featured in this report: Red-breasted Flycatcher, Little Bunting and ‘Siberian Chiffchaff’, although there are just seven years of data for the last taxon. It was the second-best year on record for Barred Warbler and Olive-backed Pipit. At the opposite end of the spectrum, it was one of the poorest years on record for Melodious Warbler, Aquatic Warbler, Bluethroat and Ortolan Bunting.
Notes Prey taken and other specific behaviour by breeding Peregrine Falcons in the Maltese Islands; Barn Swallows entering a house to catch flies; Predation of Barn Swallow colony by Eurasian Sparrowhawk
Letters Bringing avian taxonomy into disrepute: Harold Hanson’s works on Canada Geese; A tale of two raptors
Best Bird Book of the Year 2016
Book reviews, Recent reports and News & comment complete the January issue.
For more details, and to see a recent issue of the magazine, visit our website at www.britishbirds.co.uk