Possible breeding
One of the three categories used in atlassing for recording the breeding status of birds in a particular geographical area. It denotes a situation where birds are seen during the breeding season in a suitable habitat for nesting but without any indication of breeding being observed. Evidence of 'probable breeding' (the second category) consists of courtship, or song heard more than once at the same place, or behaviour suggesting the holding of territory or the presence of young. Discovery of a nest (in use or not long disused) or young, or observation of parental behaviour definitely indicating the presence of young, is evidence of 'confirmed breeding' (the third category). The sizes of the dots on the resulting distribution maps reflect these three categories.From Peter Weaver's Birdwatcher's Dictionary
Copyright © 1981 by Peter Weaver