As of 1st January 2005, the IRBC requires substantiating details for the following:

  1. Any species or subspecies which has not yet been recorded in Categories A, B or C in Ireland.
  2. All the species and subspecies included in Appendix 1.

The IRBC reserves the right to ask observers for substantiating details of records of species and subspecies involving exceptional numbers, unusual dates, etc. including those listed in Appendix 2. For a full account of the background and reasons behind these changes click here.


The list of species and subspecies included in Appendix 1 & 2 are subject to periodic review. Details of any changes made to the lists will be added to the Announcement pages. The most recent decisions may be read by clicking here.


The IRBC rarity description form is available as a MS Word document. Follow the links in the right hand panel to download.

Rare Breeding Birds

The first Irish Rare Breeding Bird Panel (IRBBP) report for the year 2002 was published in Irish Birds 7(3): 375-384 in 2004. Further reports for subsequent years have been published in Irish Birds volumes 8, 9 and 10. The most recent IRBBP report covers the year 2016 and is in Irish Birds 10(3): 383-390. Irish Birds is available from the BirdWatch Ireland online shop.


Please note that any submission of records to the IRBBP of species which are included in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2 IRBC lists should also be reported in the normal fashion to the IRBC. Confidentiality in assured in all instances.

Scarce Migrants

The inaugural Irish Scarce Migrant Report for the years 2004 to 2006 was published in Irish Birds 8: 263-298 in 2007. The second report, which excludes some species that were included in the first report, was published in Irish Birds 9: 421-466 covering the years 2007 and 2008. The report should be consulted for the list of species included. Submissions may be sent to to:

  • The Editor, Irish Scarce Migrant Report
    Address: c/o BirdWatch Ireland, Unit 20, Block D, Bullford Business Campus, Kilcoole, Co.Wicklow.