Splits and name changes.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Looks like a major one this year - especially with the warblers. For those of you with websites, changes are in order to make it current (off to check mine...):w3

Sibley has a simplified list here:
http://www.sibleyguides.com/2011/07/new-bird-names-in-the-52nd-aou-checklist-supplement/

and he also has a nice article about the warblers's new naming/classification arrangement her
http://www.sibleyguides.com/2011/06/the-new-wood-warbler-taxonomy/

[Paul Lagasi]

Thanks Dan, wasn't aware of the changes...I guess a new updated guide is in the works

[Rick Poulin]

The AOU has a new supplement out to their checklist.

Here is a link http://www.aou.org/auk/content/128/3/0600-0613.pdf

[Paul Guris]

Oh, no. We're losing "Dendroica" and "Oporornis", two genus names that are actually used fairly commonly in the field. I may have to go into mourning ... warbler.

[John Chardine]

Very good info Daniel, and it reminds me how good Sibley's web page is- bookmark it now.

With more and more DNA studies of bird species, we are getting closer every year to a taxonomy that reflects the evolution of birds. This has to be a good thing in the long run, although I agree the changes can be traumatic!