Bird Lists
Most published bird lists have a standard format and provide the following types of information.
1) Species listed have been seen in the area that the list is for.
2) Frequency of sighting. How likely are you to see a species in appropriate habitat and season.
An example code is as follows:
C - Common, seen in good numbers in appropriate habitat and season
FC - Fairly common, seen in moderate numbers in appropriate habitat and season
U - Uncommon, seen in small numbers and/or not seen every time in appropriate habitat and season
R - Rare, seen in small numbers, between five and ten records over the past twenty years
3) Season. In which season(s) is the species in the area.
An example code is as follows:
PR - Permanent resident, present year-round
SR - Summer resident, breeds
SV - Summer visitor, present in summer, but does not breed
WV - Winter visitor, present in winter
M - Migrant, transient during spring/fall migration
Bird lists represent the accumulated sightings and knowledge of many people. The Cumberland county list is based on lists developed by birders in the early twentieth century.
Over time the species found in an area or the frequency of sightings can change. Changes come about for many reasons. If you sight a species not included on a list or that is listed as rarely seen then take good field notes and obtain photographs if possible. Report your sighting to the list compiler. Report details of rare birds to the North Carolina Records Committee. The form is located on the Carolina Bird Club web site under Bird Records.
Last updated March 27, 2007