The American Ornithological Society released its 64th Supplement to the Check-list of North American Birds today. As usual, the supplement includes some changes in taxonomy that will force birders and ornithologists to make some minor adjustments to their vernacular. This time around, though, there are only two primary changes that will directly affect Nebraska birders. One is a split, the other is a lump.
Northern Goshawk has been split into two species, the Eurasian Goshawk and the American Goshawk. Based on the names of the new species, it should be obvious that the split involves the Old and New World forms. If you are lucky enough to find a goshawk in Nebraska, start preparing now to call out the proper name.
The other major action involves the delightful Cordilleran Flycatcher. Approximately 35 years after the Western Flycatcher was split into the Pacific-slope and Cordilleran Flycatcher, those two species are merged back to just one species. That new “old” species will once again be known as Western Flycatcher. For some folks, this lumping means they will lose a species on their North American and life lists. The AOS giveth and the AOS taketh away with their supplements.
The Birds of Nebraska – Online (BONO) has been updated to reflect these changes and additional updates will occur as these changes are absorbed by various resources. 