Let's Make Bird Names Helpful

Abstract

some changes a few years ago, they changed the name of the blue-headed vireo to the solitary vireo and, the American egret to the common egret. This kind of change is not inspired. All changes should be useful and significant. A clear goal is needed. Some names of bird species help in identification the chestnut-sided warbler; other names do not the Bewick's wren. I suggest this goal: change the unhelpful to helpful names. Many people have become birdwatchers only because someone encouraged them at the start to connect a name like Bell's vireo with a tiny, dull bird which doesn't look or act like a Bell or bell. A veritable thorn-hedge of such names creates a barrier which soon discourages many who might otherwise take an interest in bird-watching. We should do all we can to assist beginners. Breaking the name barrier would be a significant step. How many school children would learn the difference between a whitetailed deer and mule deer if these species were named Leconte's deer and Lichtenstein's deer? Since we use descriptive names for most mammals, why should we perpetuate nondescriptive names for so many birds? Beginners are not the only ones who could benefit by an improvement in the names of birds. In these days of increased travel, bird-watching can become an international sport if we give each species a name which will help to identify it on an international level. The white-winged dove is a perfect example, lending its name readily to Fig. 1. Black-crowned oriole. The old name, Bullock's oriole, does not help an inexperienced bird-watcher.