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The birds of ancient Britain: first recommendations for Category F of the British List

2022; Wiley; Volume: 164; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1111/ibi.13066

1474-919X

Joanne H. Cooper, John R. Stewart, Dale Serjeantson,

Ecology and biodiversity studies

Category F was created to provide a formal means of assessing and recording the occurrence of bird species in Britain before 1800, complementing the British List of birds present in Britain since 1800 published by the British Ornithologists’ Union Records Committee (BOURC; BOU 2022), and widening access to information about the history of British birds. As such, it is the first formal attempt at a critically reviewed list of ancient British birds. The archaeological and palaeontological record upon which Category F is based provides physical evidence of the former presence of bird species, including those no longer resident or occurring in Britain. A comprehensive understanding of the British avifauna is only possible if this wealth of avian archaeological and palaeontological data is taken into account, but this can be difficult given the dispersed literature and indeed, the remains themselves. A key aim of Category F is to enable the ornithological community to engage with the avian fossil record as part of contemporary ornithological knowledge, providing a summary of the data while offering a means for interested parties to delve further into the records. We also hope that it will serve to promote recognition of the value of securely identified archaeological and fossil bird remains in publically accessible museums and collections, and strongly encourage researchers to take part in the ongoing development of the list through critical review of existing records, ensuring that key new finds are submitted for appropriate recognition. Category F conforms to the nomenclatural and geographic standards of the current 10th Edition of the British List (BOU 2022). It should therefore be noted that this list does not include records from Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands. In order to provide a meaningful temporal context for species records, the category is divided into sub-categories as listed below. The cultural periods follow an accepted archaeological standard (Heritage Standards 2022), however we have opted to round off the boundary dates of some periods (e.g. 1100 rather than 1066), to avoid a false impression of precision, noting Heritage Standards (2022) comment that ‘dates of periods vary depending on geographical focus or archaeological science disciplines, so should not be taken as definitive or absolute’. This first iteration of the Category F list is based upon the database assembled by Rob Carthy and Derek Yalden for The History of British Birds (Yalden & Albarella 2009). While compiled over a decade ago, this remains the most comprehensive referenced checklist for British fossil and archaeological birds, and provides a consistent baseline. However, this first version of the Category F list is therefore effectively a literature review, and all records have consequently been given literature-only status, with a very few exceptions discussed below. Upgrading species records to confirmed specimen status will occur in subsequent reviews of the list. A spreadsheet with the species and sites data (including all ambiguous and currently excluded records) together with the supporting reference list are available as downloadable resources online in the Supporting Information section at the end of the article. Recommendations for species’ status in Category F are made by the Category F sub-committee of the BOURC, who are the authors of this paper. The sub-committee’s reports are shared internally with the BOURC, with the recommendations subsequently published in the BOU’s journal Ibis, as here, and incorporated into the British List (BOU 2007, 2022), with these lists made freely available online. The Category F sub-committee is particularly concerned with the critical review of records that will significantly affect a species’ status in one or more of the sub-categories, for example adding new species or removing a species. Ideally, potential revisions should be published in peer-reviewed literature, including identification criteria as necessary. Ultimately, we hope that all species records will be supported by physical evidence, but unfortunately this will not be possible if key specimens cannot be traced. We therefore wish to emphasise the importance of the bones themselves. The entry of records to Category F, particularly of new taxa, require that authors should specify where the relevant material is deposited, including accession numbers as appropriate. In the case of new material, efforts should be made to deposit specimens in an appropriate institutional collection where they can be made available to other workers. In the event that a suitable regional collection cannot be found, workers are welcome to contact the curators of the avian osteological collections in the Department of Life Sciences, the Natural History Museum who will be able to advise accordingly, and potentially accept material as necessary. We recognise that the research behind Yalden & Albarella (2009), though exhaustive, may nevertheless have overlooked key references, and many articles and reports in archaeological publications have been published in the intervening years. Researchers are encouraged to send additional references of new publications and bird bone reports to the Category F sub-committee through the contact details listed above. Unlike the recent British List categories A-E, Category F sub-divisions do not distinguish the presence of domestic or introduced species from naturally-occurring taxa. This raises a number of potential issues in the interpretation of the occurrence of certain taxa through time. Some domesticates have a naturally-occurring wild British equivalent, such as Anser anser, specimens of which may not be readily distinguished either in the hand or in the literature. We have chosen to combine all the records, domestic or otherwise, of these species (A. anser, Anas platyrhynchos and Columba livia) in the main Category F list, but a detailed breakdown of the original identifications is available in the supporting information. Imports of a wide range of other captive species have been made over time, some of which may be obvious, such as Gallus gallus (probably the most numerous bird in the British archaeological record), Meleagris gallopavo or Pavo cristatus. However, some are less clear, such as Falco rusticolus, which has the potential to occur naturally but is also known to have been imported live. Individual species are discussed in their list entries. However, in a few taxa, it has also been suggested that introduction by human agency was significantly pre-dated by naturally occurring populations in the Pleistocene that went extinct, notably G. gallus and Phasianus colchicus. Given the potential for confusion with other osteologically similar galliforms, these early records should be regarded with caution and given careful review. Recognising the time elapsed since the creation of the History of British Birds (Yalden & Albarella 2009) database, the sub-committee has decided that it would be appropriate to critically review a small number of taxa in this first iteration, to clarify their status and exclude them from Category F where necessary to prevent any ongoing confusion. This led to the exclusion of a selection of Pleistocene taxa, including the various Anatidae and Gruidae from West Runton, identified by Harrison (1979) and reviewed by Stewart (2010). We have also highlighted a small number of uncertainly-identified taxa, where further analysis of the material may potentially result in the addition of a new taxon to the main Category F list. (†) indicates extinct species. Found in the Middle Pleistocene West Runton Freshwater Beds, an unusually robust tarsometatarsus from a medium-large duck was described as an extinct species by Harrison (1979). Review of the West Runton avifauna by Stewart (2010) concluded that the find was not from a Somateria species, but a taxon of diving duck which cannot currently be diagnosed. It may eventually prove to be an extinct species, but this will require further analysis. It is not accepted on the present list. First described from the early Pleistocene Red Crag, the remains of this alcid have subsequently been characterized as probably referable to Alca torda, but too poorly preserved for confident referral (Smith & Mayr 2013). We do not therefore accept it on the present list. Aix galericulata Mandarin Duck Identified by Harrison (1979) from the Middle Pleistocene Freshwater Beds, West Runton, this find achieved some fame in the literature as possible evidence of a formerly massively extended range. Stewart (2010) reviewed the bone and revised the identification to a medium-small Anatidae, with the recommendation that the taxon be removed from the British fossil record to avoid further confusion. This claimed extinct member of the genus Alectoris was based on a single distal tibiotarsus which is an unsatisfactory element with which to describe a new species and cannot satisfactorily be assigned to a species, although it represents that of a small Galliform bird (Stewart 1996). This species is described on the basis of very little material (Harrison 1978) and requires re-examination. It is likely that it represents a living large galliform species. Grus antigone Sarus Crane These refer to individual site records of ambiguously identified taxa that potentially require further review to resolve, but which could possibly add a new taxon to Category F; although realistically resolving these may be impossible. Details of sites and associated references are included in the supporting information. While a long way from the diversity of the modern British List, Category F reveals a nevertheless impressive range of 242 taxa, highlighting considerable changes in the British avifauna through time. From the cold climate birds of Pleistocene glacial stages, to the rise of domesticates and the arrivals of imported species, this is the evidence of our avifaunal history. We hope improved accessibility and recognition will foster a renewed interest in archaeological and palaeontological bird remains and encourage researchers to explore ever more deeply into their assemblages. The sub-committee intends to provide further guidance in subsequent reports towards developing standards for identification and description of remains for submission, particularly of new taxa or reassigned remains. However, our first task is to start updating the core database. To this end, we would like to encourage researchers to contact JC with their articles and reports on bird bones from archaeological and palaeontological sites, which can then be collated into the main dataset. Identification techniques have developed significantly since the initial compilation of the database. Where possible, we encourage researchers to submit bones of unusual or potentially controversial taxa for analysis using aDNA or potentially ZooMs (Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry) methodologies. As accessibility widens and techniques continue to advance, we anticipate such techniques having a significant impact on our understanding of taxa difficult to analyse by more traditional means. Nevertheless, we encourage workers to continue pursuing careful comparative methods and in particular wish to emphasise the critical value of accessing reliably identified modern comparative collections. Members of the sub-committee are also potentially available to assist in trying to resolve challenging identifications; please contact us for advice if needed. This report represents an initial step towards engaging the wider archaeological and ornithological communities in the objective review of the birds of ancient Britain. As such, it is only the first iteration in what we hope will become an ongoing process of research and critical review in collaboration with colleagues across these communities. We thank you for your interest in Category F and look forward to your contributions. The Category F sub-committee recommends that 242 taxa are listed in Category F. The full list data presented here consists of individual taxon entries with the following information and format: Scientific name British (English) vernacular name (total number of recorded sites). (†) extinct species. Recognised sub-categories, with ‘a’ or ‘b’ classification Comments where appropriate. The total number of recorded sites includes sites of uncertain date, to provide an overall indication of individual species’ commonness in the archaeological and/or fossil record. However, it should be noted that this is not an indication of abundance in nature, but reflects of a complex set of factors, notably a variety of human choices (ancient and modern) and preservational processes. With the exception of extinct fossil species, taxonomy follows the most recent International Ornithological Community (IOC) World Bird List Version 12.1, with British (English) vernacular names as used in the 10th Edition of the British List (BOU 2022). Branta bernicla Brent Goose (22) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b Branta ruficollis Red-breasted Goose (3) F1.1b; 2 Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose (44) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b Anser anser Greylag Goose (393) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b Totals include remains identified as domestic Anser anser, from Iron Age onwards and peaking in Medieval sites. Anser fabalis Taiga Bean Goose (4) F1.4b, 1.6b, 1.9b; 2b Anser brachyrhynchus Pink-footed Goose (24) F1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.7b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose (17) F1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b Anser erythropus Lesser White-fronted Goose (1) F1.9b Cygnus olor Mute Swan (59) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 3b Cygnus columbianus Bewick's Swan (12) F1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan (37) F1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Tadorna tadorna Shelduck (26) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Tadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck (4) F1.9b; 2b Spatula querquedula Garganey (14) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.8b; 2b Spatula clypeata Shoveler (28) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Mareca strepera Gadwall (20) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b Mareca penelope Wigeon (70) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Anas platyrhynchos Mallard (407) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Total includes records identified as domestic Anas platyrhynchos, from Bronze Age onwards, but early domestic examples may not necessarily be reliably separable from ‘wild’ birds. Anas acuta Pintail (16) F1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b Anas crecca Teal (170) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Netta rufina Red-crested Pochard (3) F1.5b; 2b Aythya ferina Pochard (27) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b; 2b; 3b Aythya fuligula Tufted Duck (32) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Aythya marila Scaup (3) F1.5b, 1.7b Somateria mollissima Eider (28) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 3b Melanitta perspicillata Surf Scoter (2) F1.9b, 2b Melanitta fusca Velvet Scoter (8) F1.1b, 1.3b, 1.5b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b Melanitta nigra Common Scoter (23) F1.2b, 1.3b, 1.5b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Clangula hyemalis Long-tailed Duck (6) F1.4b, 1.5b, 1.8b, 1.9b Bucephala clangula Goldeneye (25) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Mergellus albellus Smew (15) F1.2b, 1.3b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Mergus merganser Goosander (20) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b Mergus serrator Red-breasted Merganser (19) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b Meleagris gallopavo Wild Turkey (36) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.4 With a supposed arrival in Britain in the mid-1500s, all earlier records require confirmation. Tetrastes bonasia Hazel Hen (5) F1.9b; 2b This species was described by Colin Harrison at a number of localities (Yalden & Albarella 2008) dated from the Early Middle Pleistocene (Westbury-sub-Mendip) to the Late Pleistocene (Harrison 1988). While currently retained the identity of these remains requires further examination as they could represent other Galliformes. Lagopus lagopus Red Grouse (50) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Lagopus muta Ptarmigan (25) F1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Tetrao urogallus Capercaillie (19) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Tetrao tetrix Black Grouse (56) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Perdix perdix Grey Partridge (121) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Phasianus colchicus Pheasant (49) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.9b; 2b The early history of Phasianus colchicus in Britain is still not well understood, partly as its remains are potentially confused with Gallus gallus. The purported Late Glacial and other Pleistocene records need review. Pavo cristatus Indian Peafowl (37) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b Imported. Gallus gallus Junglefowl/Domestic Fowl (chicken) (773) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2 Any chicken prior to Iron Age should be carbon dated, as their early British history still subject to considerable research interest. Given the significant potential for confusion with other similar-sized galliforms the Late Glacial and early Pleistocene records should be treated with extreme caution and require review. Coturnix coturnix Quail (20) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.7b, 1.9b; 2b Alectoris rufa Red-legged Partridge (1) F1.4b Whilst not impossible, given the potential for confusion within this group, this single Roman record ideally needs review. Caprimulgus europaeus Nightjar (1) F2b Tachymarptis melba Alpine Swift (1) F2b Apus apus Swift (6) F1.2b, 1.4b, 1.9b; 2b Otis tarda Great Bustard (5) F1.1b, 1.4b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b To maintain the consistency of this baseline checklist, conclusions of recent reassessments of some Roman remains previously identified as Great Bustard will be reviewed in the sub-committee’s subsequent recommendations. Tetrax tetrax Little Bustard (1) F2b Cuculus canorus Cuckoo (1) F1.4b Columba livia Rock Dove (77) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Total includes remains identified as domestic C. livia from Roman sites onwards. Columba oenas Stock Dove (50) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Columba palumbus Wood Pigeon (54) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b Streptopelia turtur Turtle Dove (3) F1.4b, 1.9b; 3b Rallus aquaticus Water Rail (22) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 3b Crex crex Corncrake (18) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.7b, 1.8b; 3b Porzana porzana Spotted Crake (4) F1.5b, 1.7b, 1.9b Gallinula chloropus Moorhen (30) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b Fulica atra Coot (42) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Grus virgo Demoiselle Crane (1) F2b Grus grus Crane (128) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b; 3b Tachybaptus ruficollis Little Grebe (7) F1.2b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b Podiceps grisegena Red-necked Grebe (2) F1.7b; 3b Podiceps cristatus Great Crested Grebe (5) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.5b, 1.8b Podiceps auritus Slavonian Grebe (2) F1.3b, 1.5b Burhinus oedicnemus Stone-curlew (1) F1.6b Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher (33) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b; 3b Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet (2) F1.1b, 1.4b Vanellus vanellus Lapwing (79) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover (98) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.8b, 1.9b Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover (27) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover (8) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.7b, 1.9b. Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel (14). F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.9b; 2b Numenius arquata Curlew (90) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.9b; 3b Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit (16) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.9b Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit (7) F1.2b, F1.4b, F1.7b, F1.9b Arenaria interpres Turnstone (14) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Calidris canutus Knot (19) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Calidris pugnax Ruff (5) F1.2b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.8b Calidris alba Sanderling (1) F1.2b Calidris alpina Dunlin (19) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Scolopax rusticola Woodcock (204) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.9b; 3b Lymnocryptes minimus Jack Snipe (6) F1.2b, 1.3b, 1.9b; 2b Gallinago media Great Snipe (1) F2b Gallinago gallinago Snipe (69) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Phalaropus lobatus Red-necked Phalarope (1) F1.5b Phalaropus fulicarius Grey Phalarope (1) F1.3b Tringa ochropus Green Sandpiper (10) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b Tringa totanus Redshank (25) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b; 3b Tringa erythropus Spotted Redshank (2) F1.1b, 1.7b Tringa nebularia Greenshank (11) F1.1b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.7b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Rissa tridactyla Kittiwake (26) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b; 2b; 3b Chroicocephalus ridibundus Black-headed Gull (17) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.7b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Hydrocoloeus minutus Little Gull (1) F1.1b Larus canus Common Gull (34) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.7b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Larus marinus Great Black-backed Gull (53) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b; 3b Larus hyperboreus Glaucous Gull (2) F1.2b; 1.6b Larus argentatus Herring Gull (30) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.9b; 3b Larus fuscus Lesser Black-backed Gull (13) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.5b, 1.7b; 3b Thalasseus sandvicensis Sandwich Tern (3) F1.1b, 1.5b, 1.7b Sterna hirundo Common Tern (6) F1.3b, 1.4b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 3b Stercorarius skua Great Skua (2) F1.2b, 1.7b Stercorarius pomarinus Pomarine Skua (1) F1.3b Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Skua (1) F3b Stercorarius longicaudus Long-tailed Skua (1) F2b Alle alle Little Auk (29) F1.1b, 1.3b, 1.5b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 3b Uria aalge Common Guillemot (74) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Alca torda Razorbill (47) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b; 2b † Pinguinus impennis Great Auk (43) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b; 2b; 3b Cepphus grylle Black Guillemot (16) F1.1b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.9b; 3b Fratercula arctica Puffin (49) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 3b Gavia stellata Red-throated Diver (8) F1.3b, 1.5b, 1.8b; 2b Gavia arctica Black-throated Diver (6) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.4b, 1.7b, 1.8b; 2b Gavia immer Great Northern Diver (19) F1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b; 3b † Phoebastria anglica North Atlantic Albatross (1) F2b The extinct British albatross was originally described as Diomedea anglica by Lydekker (1891) and revised by Harrison & Walker (1978). More recently, due to the finding of new material by amateur collectors and the publication of the larger collection of Neogene albatrosses from the western Atlantic (Olson & Rasmussen 2001), the species was re-assessed (Dyke et al. 2007). The latter concluded, based on measurements, that the material belongs in the genus Phoebastria. The material comes from the Plio-Pleistocene Coralline, Red and Norwich Crags in East Anglia. The Norwich Crag, the youngest deposit, is thought to be Early Pleistocene (Baventian, Bramertonian or Ludhamian dating from approximately 2.2–2.45 MA) (Preece et al. 2020) and thus the species belongs in the present list Hydrobates pelagicus Storm Petrel (1) F1.6b Hydrobates leucorhous Leach's Petrel (2) F1.3b, 1.7b Fulmarus glacialis Fulmar (26) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.7b, 1.8b; 3b Calonectris diomedea Cory's Shearwater (1) F2b Ardenna grisea Sooty Shearwater (2) F1.5b; 3b Puffinus puffinus Manx Shearwater (38) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 3b Ciconia nigra Black Stork (2) F1.6b; 2b Ciconia ciconia White Stork (14) F1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b Morus bassanus Gannet (68) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b; 2b; 3b Microcarbo pygmaeus Pygmy Cormorant (1) F1.1b Pygmy Cormorant was described on the basis of a well deposit in Abingdon, Oxfordshire (Cowles 1981). The whereabouts of the material on which the species was recorded are unknown. However, the distinctiveness of Microcarbo pygmaeus in size from other European members of the genus and morphology from other bird genera, suggest that the identification is reliable. The specimen is dated to fifteenth or sixteenth century, when the climate may have been warmer than that at present (Cowles 1981). Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant (87) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Gulosus aristotelis Shag (66) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b; 2b; 3b Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill (2) F1.2b Botaurus stellaris Bittern (20) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 3b Nycticorax nycticorax Night-heron (2) F1.1b, 1.4b Ardea cinerea Grey Heron (81) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.9b; 2b Egretta garzetta Little Egret (1) F1.4b Pelecanus crispus Dalmatian Pelican (11) F1.5b, 1.6b; 3b Dalmatian Pelican bones have been recovered from East Anglian Fens, Glastonbury Lake village in Somerset and the King George Dock in Hull (Northcote 1979; Stewart 2004). All these remains have been dated using associated pollen to the Holocene (Northcote 1979). Pandion haliaetus Osprey (7) F1.1b, 1.3b, 1.5b, 1.9b; 3b Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle (14) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.7b, 1.9b; 2b Accipiter nisus Sparrowhawk (46) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.8b; 3b Accipiter gentilis Goshawk (47) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.7b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Circus aeruginosus Marsh Harrier (12) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.5b Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier (5) F1.1b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b Circus pygargus Montagu's Harrier (1) F1.5b Milvus milvus Red Kite (70) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.7b; 2b; 3b Haliaeetus albicilla White-tailed Eagle (62) F1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Buteo lagopus Rough-legged Buzzard (4) F1.5b,1.7b, 1.9b; 2b Buteo buteo Buzzard (102) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 3b Tyto alba Barn Owl (39) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Aegolius funereus Tengmalm's Owl (2) F1.9b Athene noctua Little Owl (3) F1.9b; 2b; 3b Surnia ulula Hawk Owl (2) F1.9b Asio otus Long-eared Owl (6) F1.4b, 1.5b, 1.7b, 1.9b; 3b Asio flammeus Short-eared Owl (20) F1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.9b; 2b Bubo scandiacus Snowy Owl (1) F2b Bubo bubo Eagle Owl (10) F1.5b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b This species has a long record Britain (Stewart 2007b) which is controversial, not because of any issue with its identification, but because of the age of its latest confirmed specimen. The latest confirmed record is from Demen’s Dale, Derbyshire which was first identified and published by Bramwell & Yalden (1988). The specimen is thought to be Mesolithic although a direct radiocarbon date on the bone is necessary to confirm the species’ presence in the early Holocene. Strix aluco Tawny Owl (29) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.5b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Alcedo atthis Kingfisher (2) F1.9b; 2b Jynx torquilla Wryneck (1) F1.7b Dryobates minor Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (2) F1.9b; 3b Dendrocopos major Great Spotted Woodpecker (9) F1.4b, 1.7b, F1.9b; 2b Picus viridis Green Woodpecker (3) F1.3b; 2b Falco tinnunculus Kestrel (39) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Falco columbarius Merlin (12) F1.2b, 1.3b, 1.5b, 1.7b, 1.9b; 3b Falco subbuteo Hobby (3) F1.2b, 1.9b; 2b Falco rusticolus Gyr Falcon (1) F1.2b A possible record from Late Glacial Pembrokeshire of Falco rusticolus/peregrinus needs verification. Falco peregrinus Peregrine (29) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b Psittacidae Parrot (1) F3b Despite the imprecise identification, we note this find from late post-Medieval Norwich to highlight the curious lack of reported parrot remains, despite the high numbers imported into Europe from the New World from 1500s onwards (cf. Cooper & Armitage 2013) and the apparently widespread familiarity with Asian parakeets prior to this in Medieval European culture (eg. Delahaye 2012). Lanius collurio Red-backed Shrike (2) F1.7b, 1.9b Lanius excubitor Great Grey Shrike (2) F1.9b; 3b Garrulus glandarius Jay (42) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Pica pica Magpie (42) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Nucifraga caryocatactes Nutcracker (1) F1.9b Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Chough (11) F1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b Coloeus monedula Jackdaw (162) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Corvus frugilegus Rook (46) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.9b; 3b Corvus corone/cornix Carrion/Hooded Crow (106) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Given that these taxa are effectively osteologically inseparable, identifications referred to either species have been combined. Corvus corax Raven (247) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Bombycilla garrulus Waxwing (2) F1.5b; 2b Periparus ater Coal Tit (1) F1.9b Cyanistes caeruleus Blue Tit (3) F1.2b, 1.4b, 1.7b Parus major Great Tit (18) F1.2b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Lullula arborea Woodlark (4) F1.2b, 1.9b; 2b Alauda arvensis Skylark (51) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Galerida cristata Crested Lark (5) F1.2b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Eremophila alpestris Shore Lark (2) F2b Riparia riparia Sand Martin (1) F3b Bronze/Iron Age Ptyonoprogne rupestris Crag Martin (3) F1.9b; 2b Hirundo rustica Swallow (22) F1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Delichon urbicum House Martin (6) F1.1b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.7b; 3b Aegithalos caudatus Long-tailed Tit (4) F1.8, 1.9b; 2b Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Sedge Warbler (1) F1.9b Sylvia atricapilla Blackcap (5) F1.8b, 1.9b Sylvia borin Garden Warbler (2) F1.2b; 2b Curruca curruca Lesser Whitethroat (1) F1.5b Curruca communis Whitethroat (2) F1.4b, 1.9b Regulus regulus Goldcrest (3) F1.7b, 1.9b Troglodytes troglodytes Wren (16) F1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b Sitta europaea Nuthatch (9) F1.7b, 1.9b; 2b Certhia familiaris Treecreeper (3) F1.4b, 1.8b, 1.9b Sturnus vulgaris Starling (89) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b Turdus philomelos Song Thrush (57) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Turdus viscivorus Mistle Thrush (34) F1.2b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Turdus iliacus Redwing (44) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Turdus merula Blackbird (77) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Turdus pilaris Fieldfare (32) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Turdus torquatus Ring Ouzel (11) F1.4b, 1.5b, 1.7b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Muscicapa striata Spotted Flycatcher (3) F1.4b, 1.8b; 2b Erithacus rubecula Robin (23) F1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.6b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b Luscinia luscinia Thrush Nightingale (2) F1.9b; 2b Phoenicurus ochruros Black Redstart (1) F1.8b Phoenicurus phoenicurus Redstart (11) F1.2b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b Saxicola rubetra Whinchat (5) F1.4b, 1.9b; 2b Oenanthe oenanthe Wheatear (16) F1.4b, 1.5b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b Cinclus cinclus Dipper (7) F1.7b. 1.9b; 2b Montifringilla nivalis Snow Finch (1) F2b Passer montanus Tree Sparrow (4) F1.5b, 1.7b, 1.9b Passer domesticus House Sparrow (39) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Prunella modularis Dunnock (17) F1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.7b, 1.9b; 2b Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail (1) F1.9b Motacilla cinerea Grey Wagtail (2) F1.4b, 1.9b Motacilla alba Pied/White Wagtail (6) F1.5b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 3b Includes identifications originally given as Pied and White Wagtail Anthus richardi Richard's Pipit (1) F2b Anthus pratensis Meadow Pipit (13) F1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.9b; 2b Anthus spinoletta Water Pipit (2) F1.2b Anthus petrosus Rock Pipit (8) F1.4.b, 1.5b, 8b, 1.9b; 2b This includes four records listed as A. petrosus, but with the English name ‘Tree Pipit’. Fringilla coelebs Chaffinch (22) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b Fringilla montifringilla Brambling (4) F1.2b, 1.7b, 1.9b Coccothraustes coccothraustes Hawfinch (14) F1.2b, 1.5b, 1.7b, 1.8b, 1.9b; 2b; 3b Pinicola enucleator Pine Grosbeak (3) F1.9b; 2b Pyrrhula pyrrhula Bullfinch (7) F1.2b, 1.4b, 1.7b, 1.9b; 2b Chloris chloris Greenfinch (14) F1.1b, 1.2b, 1.4b, 1.7b, 1.9b; 2b Linaria flavirostris Twite (1) F1.7b Linaria cannabina Linnet (7) F1.2b, 1.7b, 1.9b; 3b Acanthis flammea Common Redpoll (3) F1.4b, 1.8b, 1.9b Loxia curvirostra Crossbill (4) F1.4b, 1.9b; 2b Carduelis carduelis Goldfinch (5) F1.1b, 1.4b, 1.5b, 1.7b, 1.9b Serinus serinus Serin (1) F2b Calcarius lapponicus Lapland Bunting (1) F1.9b Plectrophenax nivalis Snow Bunting (10) F1.5b, 1.9b Emberiza calandra Corn Bunting (5) F1.5b, 1.9b; 3b Emberiza citrinella Yellowhammer (8) F1.2b, 1.3b, 1.4b, 1.9b Emberiza schoeniclus Reed Bunting (4) F1.5b, 1.9b Pheucticus ludovicanus Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2) F1.9b; 2b The authors dedicate this report to the memory of Derek Yalden (1940–2013) whose extensive research and enthusiasm led directly to the initiation of Category F and who sadly passed away during its gestation. We deeply appreciate the time and continuing advice of Umberto Albarella, which has not only kept us on track, but also helped us to maintain a direct connection with The History of British Birds. We also wish to thank Rob Carthy for his efforts in creating the original source database, and Robert Prŷs-Jones for supporting the development of the early proposals. Finally, our thanks to Steve Dudley, James Gilroy, Chris McInerny and the British List team at the BOU for their time, patience and support to turn Category F from an idea into reality. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.