Panel meeting, Old Moor RSPB, Yorkshire, November 2014
What we do
The two main functions of the Rare Breeding Birds Panel (RBBP) are to maintain the definitive archive of all rare breeding birds in the UK and to publish an annual report on numbers, distribution and trends.
The RBBP collects breeding data on the rarer species of birds breeding in the United Kingdom: defined as taxa with fewer than 2,000 breeding pairs* in the UK (*based on recent 5-year means). The list thus includes all the regular rare breeding species but also those which have bred occasionally or are yet to breed, but may do so in the future. This monitoring has taken place since 1973. For the full list of species monitored now and over the course of our history, see the Species menu. Full definitions and terminology can be found here.
The records of the Rare Breeding Birds Panel allow the production of annual totals of breeding pairs for each species on its list. These form the basis of our annual report, published in British Birds journal; all but the current report are available to download from this site (see Reports menu). Data are held on a secure confidential database from which the reports and other analyses are based. Bona fide organisations and individuals are invited to request selected data for further analysis – contact the Secretary.
The principal source of data is the network of 80 county and regional recorders across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. Birders and other members of the public are encouraged to submit their breeding bird records directly to these recorders. These recorders assemble relevant data on all the RBBP species within their areas and send a detailed list of species, sites and breeding evidence to the RBBP Secretary each year – aiming to submit data by the annual deadline of 30th November. We also receive data directly from other sources including RSPB reserves, Schedule 1 licence returns, raptor and seabird monitoring, and species studies. All data collated are treated as confidential and stored on a secure database accessible only by the Panel Secretary.
Birdwatchers provide the bulk of the information simply by reporting what they see to established recording networks. Everyone can help by providing accurate reports, in particular the number and sex of birds seen, their behaviour (using standard breeding codes) and the location. A 4-figure grid reference is sufficient for most records but nest sites should be recorded with at least a 6-figure pinpoint grid reference. We recommend that records are submitted to bird recorders online via BirdTrack, which can be used by all bird recorders across the country, although some counties have their own data entry recommendations.
The RBBP is independent of other organisations. The Panel includes representatives from RSPB, BTO and JNCC (on behalf of the country conservation agencies) and independent members chosen for their experience and expertise in the monitoring of rare breeding birds in the UK. The bulk of our work is done by the Secretary. The Secretary’s post is a part-time, paid-for position; funding for the post is provided by both the RSPB and by JNCC (on behalf of Natural England, NatureScot (formerly Scottish Natural Heritage), Natural Resources Wales and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Northern Ireland)), with additional funding to support the running of the Panel provided by the BTO. Other members of the Panel (see here) advise and support the Secretary. Some members serve in an individual capacity, others represent the funding organisations. All members have high levels of experience and a background in the monitoring of birds including rare breeding species.
It should be noted that the RBBP only collates data on species which are breeding or are showing signs of breeding. The definition of a rare breeding bird is based on the size of its breeding population. The RBBP validates the level of breeding evidence to ensure all data are standardised, but we rely on the bird recorders and others who submit information to verify the identity of the species. The verification and monitoring of rare migrant and vagrant birds is conducted by the British Birds Rarities Committee. More information on the BBRC can be found here.
Note that in the island of Ireland the Irish Rare Breeding Birds Panel performs a similar role, though with a different species list. Rare breeding birds in Northern Ireland are thus monitored by both ourselves and the IRBBP.