Rarity
A bird not normally seen in the area concerned but thought to have occurred there naturally (rather than as an escape). Each local ornithological society (or equivalent body) defines certain species as rare locally, while 237 species are listed as 'national' rare birds. Records of these birds must be submitted to the appropriate Rarities Committee for verification if they are to be accepted as genuine.From Peter Weaver's Birdwatcher's Dictionary
Copyright © 1981 by Peter Weaver