[Tweeters] List of birds by common name - Wikipedia; and My “Common” Concern

[Dennis Paulson]

Dan, at least that’s an easy one to answer. Rufous-sided was forever lost from towhee when the species was divided into Eastern and Spotted Towhees. One of the protocols of splitting species was (and I guess still is) not leaving the previous name with either of the two newly recognized species, entirely to avoid confusion.

Blue-headed, Cassin’s and Plumbeous Vireos were the result of splitting of Solitary Vireo, just for another example. Sage Sparrow was split into Sagebrush and Bell’s Sparrows, Plain Titmouse split into Oak and Juniper Titmice. Etc.

Dennis Paulson
Seattle

P.S. I still call them Mew Gulls, knowing all the while that I’m bringing shame on myself and my family.


> On Jan 9, 2024, at 2:44 AM, Dan Reiff <dan.owl.reiff at gmail.com> wrote:

> 

> It’s Wikipedia, but interesting.

> 

> My hope is there was some person named “Common” so that some of my favorite, great birds, including, Common Poorwill, Common Nighthawk, Common Raven, Common Eider and Common Loon will finally be renamed with the respect they deserve.

> Also, I have never understood why the naming committee changed the name Rufous-sided Towhee to Spotted Towhee.

> It was such a great name, and descriptive, and fun to say!

> Who are these people that name bird species?

> 

> While filming the Red Fox Sparrow at Ed N’s great backyard a few months ago, I was introduced to his neighbor. As we waited for the bird to arrive we discussed bird names that had changed.

> 

> “I have never gotten over the name change from Rufous-sided Towhee” I said.

> “I still call them Rufous-sided Towhees” she said.

> 

> I was refreshingly surprised by her response!

> 

> Best regards and Happy New Year to the Tweets community!

> 

> Dan Reiff 

> Mercer Island

> 

> Article listing all common bird names:

> 

> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_birds_by_common_name

> 

> Sent from my iPhone

> _______________________________________________

> Tweeters mailing list

> Tweeters at u.washington.edu

> http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/tweeters