Flow visualization studies and laser Doppler anemometer measurements on swirling water flows reveal six distinct types of very large amplitude disturbance modes of the vortex core. Three, ’’axisymmetric’’ and spiral vortex breakdowns, and the ’’double helix,’’ have been described by others. A definite order of evolution in parameter space (Reynolds number and circulations) occurs, and is described. Puzzling responses of the axisymmetric and spiral vortex breakdowns to imposed flow transients reported previously are confirmed here, and are traced to the shedding of starting and stopping vortices from swirl vanes. Conclusions bearing upon the validity of some theories of vortex breakdown are possible from the data.