Do you count sub-species as seperate ticks on your life list? (1 Viewer)

I tend to count sub-species seperately - not a full tick.

I am wondering how others here view this.

My life list (started this year) is at 119 plus 2 sub-species. I have seen both the Red-shafted and Yellow-shafted Northern Flicker and have seen the Slate and Oregon Dark-eyed Junco.

I only count full species for life /year/ etc. list. However, when I enter a sighting, if it is a distinguishable subspecie, I add the subspecie name in a notes column. Then, years (or days) from now when a subspecie is split / lumped, I can easily update my sighting.

Only to do my mates head in cos he failed to connect with the two sub sp caudatus Long Tail Tits that were chipping around Easington, E Yorks recently.

( Easy Meggy big ting a gwarn bwoy!! )

I keep two lists .... official BOU and a 'forms' list which contains e.g. sinensis Cormorant, alba Wagtail etc.

Dave B Smith said:

I only count full species for life /year/ etc. list. However, when I enter a sighting, if it is a distinguishable subspecie, I add the subspecie name in a notes column. Then, years (or days) from now when a subspecie is split / lumped, I can easily update my sighting.

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Birders who enter their lists on websites such as this or Surfbirds, or who submit them to ABA or BOU for publication adhere to the "official" rules, i.e., full species only.

However, as stated above, most keep good notes about subspecies, either for their own interests in learning about the differences and/or to have a clear record in the event of a future split.

This list of subspecies kept in hopes of a split that would add a bird to a life list is often called the Escrow List.

Good birding,
Phalarope