BirdLife South Africa National List and Rarities Committee

What we do – The BirdLife South Africa National List and Rarities Committee is tasked with the evaluation of records of birds which would constitute national rarities anywhere in South Africa. Additionally, in response to ever-changing taxonomies, the Committee is charged with maintaining and selecting bird names that best reflect the interests of the South African birding community. The Committee also works closely with the South African Names for South African (SANSAB) working group, to work towards a South African bird list which records the cultural, linguistic, and biological diversity of South Africa’s national heritage. Why we do it – Birding largely involves keeping a list of birds encountered. This Committee ensures coordination of the vetting and addition of new species found in South Africa to a national checklist (maintained and published annually by the Committee). The Committee also ensures that taxonomic changes are reflected in the national checklist and, where possible, familiar and beloved common South African names for birds reflect our birding community’s best interests. The Committee is coordinated by BirdLife South Africa and made up of volunteer members from taxonomists to professional bird guides and experts. For further information, please contact [email protected]