The information below includes the date and a brief description of each significant change, a link to the relevant page, and that page's new version number. Neither minor spelling corrections nor additions to the references are noted on this page.

IOC Engligh Names

Although I started with the Howard-Moore list, I am now using the IOC list as a baseline. Every species gets an IOC-style name. That doesn't mean its the only name, or that it exactly matches the IOC name. Four percent of the species have two names. This usually happens because of differences between the IOC name and the AOU name (NACC or SACC). In such cases, I usually give the IOC name second. A few other non-IOC names have also been retained.

Some IOC-style names don't exactly match the true IOC name due to differences in taxonomy. For example, IOC recognizes two species of Laniisoma—Brazilian Laniisoma and Andean Laniisoma. In this case, I currently follow SACC taxonomy which has only one Laniisoma. However, their English name is entirely different (Shrike-like Cotinga). Keeping in mind that the species has been known as the Elegant Mourner, I added the IOC-ish English name Elegant Laniisoma.

The IOC-style names have been fully Americanized (gray, not grey; AOU-style hyphenation). I'm also a little more aggressive than AOU in adding hyphens to break up words that don't scan well. I'm also more agressive than IOC at removing hyphens when they seem unnecessary. They may not always look the same, but they are pronounced the same. In a few cases where proper names are used as adjectives by the IOC, and an adjectival form is available, I substituted the adjectival form (e.g., Madagascan for Madagascar).

Comparison with IOC list

As of September 2, 2010, the TIF list contains 10447 species. Removing the 85 extinct species not included by IOC brings the TIF list to 10362. The actual differences between the lists involve fewer than 200 extant species (84 non-IOC species added, 118 IOC species removed). Of the 118 species on the IOC 2.5 list that I have not included, over 70% are New World species that neither of the AOU committees has accepted. I will be gradually be reconsidering these. Some of the rest are species from the Sibley-Monroe list that were not included on either the Howard-Moore or BirdLife International lists. Adding all of the extras would bring the TIF list to 10480 species, 84 more than the IOC list. Of those 84, 40 are on IOC's proposed split list, 5 have been recently removed, leaving 39 other splits or new species.

Spreadsheets

An enhanced Version 4 of Stephen Nawrocki's excel spreadsheet of the TIF world list is now available (Jan. 5, 2010). Four lists are also available in csv format:

The ABA and AOU lists include only ABA or AOU species, but in TiF order. The South American list has a slightly different species list than the AOU's SACC working list.

Archives

The updates for 2008 and 2009 have been archived separately.

September 2010

September 3

Comparison with recent IOC updates resulted in the following scientific name corrections: The Wattled Crane (Gruidae) is Grus carunculata, not carunculatus as Grus is feminine. The correct name for the Guinan Toucanet (Ramphastidae) is Selenidera piperivora, not Selenidera culik (see Piacentini et al., 2010). The use of Poliolais lopesi for White-tailed Warbler seems to be an unjustified emendation of Poliolais lopezi, so we revert to lopezi (Cisticolidae). The other two corrections were already mentioned in the Howard and Moore corrigenda: The Spot-necked Babbler (Timaliidae) is Stachyris strialata, not Stachyris striolata and the Kurrichane Thrush (Turdidae) is Turdus libonyana, not Turdus libonyanus as libonyana is invariable.

The csv files have been updated (version 2.62).

September 2

Fenwick's Antpitta / Urrao Antpitta, Grallaria fenwickorum, was first formally described by Barrera and Bartels (2010). They suggested the name Fenwick's Antpitta. Shortly thereafter, another description was published by Carantón and Certuche (2010), who discovered the bird. They proposed the name Urrao Antpitta, Grallaria urraoensis. I believe that ICZN rules require use of fenwickorum rather than urraoensis. I'm using both English names until one becomes established.
[Grallariidae, Furnariida II, 2.63]

The Rock Tapaculo, Scytalopus petrophilus, has been added to the list. I've also arranged some of the closely related taxa. This species was noted by Bornschein et al. (2007) and included in the genetic analysis of Mata et al. (2009). It was recently formally described by Whitney et al. (2010).
[Rhinocryptidae, Furnariida II, 2.63]

August 2010

August 26

Following Cleere (2010), Blyth's Frogmouth, Batrachostomus affinis and Palawan Frogmouth, Batrachostomus chaseni) are split from Javan Frogmouth, Batrachostomus javensis, based on differences in vocalizations.
[Podargidae, Cypselomorphae, 2.56]

The Vogelkop Owlet-nightjar, Aegotheles affinis, has split from the Barred Owlet-nightjar, Aegotheles bennettii, as suggested by Dumbacher et al. (2003) and Cleere (2010). Here I use the IOC name Vogelkop instead of Cleere's Salvodori's Owlet-nightjar. I'm currently using the latter name for Aegotheles salvadorii.
[Aegothelidae, Apodiformes, 2.56]

August 20

The English name of Trogon puella has been changed to Orange-bellied Trogon from Jalapa Trogon to better match the AOU. However, they do not include the subspecies puella, and refer to it as aurantiiventris.
[Trogonidae, Anomalogonates I, 2.59]

Fulvous Antshrike, Frederickena fulva, has been split from Undulated Antshrike, Frederickena unduligera. See Isler et al. (2009).
[Thamnophilidae, Furnariida I, 2.51]

The Rufous-headed Robin has been moved to Larvivora based on Sangster et al.'s suggestion.
[Muscicapidae, Muscicapoidea II, 2.59]

The White-capped Munia, Lonchura ferruginosa, has been split from Chestnut Munia, Lonchura atricapilla (see Restall, 1997).
[Estrildidae, Core Passeroidea I, 2.54]

August 18

The findings of Dong et al. (2010) have been incorporated. This splits Ixops from Actinodura and leads to some changes in the ordering of the Leiothrichinae.
[Leiothrichidae, Sylvioidea III, 2.56]

The Cinnamon Ibon now has a home. It had previously been removed from the white-eyes. Fjeldså et al. (2010) show that it is in Passeridae.
[Zosteropidae, Sylvioidea III, 2.56]
[Passeridae, Core Passeroidea II, 2.54]

August 17

Sangster et al. (2010) has been incorporated into the treatment of the Muscicapidae. Although the general shape of the family changed only a little, there have been a number of changes in detail. This particular affects the robins (Erithacus, Luscinia, Tarsiger), the Rhinomyias flycatchers (Rhinomyias has been dismembered), the old world flycatchers (Muscicapini) and the African robins (Cossyphinae).
[Muscicapidae, Muscicapoidea II, 2.60]

The English name of Dove Prion / Antarctic Prion, Pachyptila desolata, becomes Antarctic Prion (SACC).
[Procellariidae, Pelecanae II, 2.54]

The Sucre Antpitta, Grallaricula cumanensis, has been split from Slate-crowned Antpitta / Slaty-crowned Antpitta, Grallaricula nana. [Grallariidae, Furnariida II, 2.62]

The Spizella sparrows have been rearranged based on Canales-Del Castillo et al. (2010), which includes genetic data on the highly endandered Worthen's Sparrow.
[Passerellidae, Core Passeroidea IV, 2.60]

August 11

The 51st AOU Supplement introduced the name Suliformes into the literature. I have updated all pages accordingly. Previously, there was no established name for this order, and in lieu of one, I used Phalacrocoraciformes.

The genetic results in Jøsson et al. (2010d) support splitting Sunda Golden-Oriole, Oriolus maculatus, and Asian Golden-Oriole, Oriolus diffusus, from Black-naped Oriole, Oriolus chinensis.
[Oriolidae, Corvida I, 2.60]

Ruaha Chat, Pentholaea collaris, has been split from Arnot's Chat, Pentholaea arnotti, based on Glen et al. (2010).
[Muscicapidae, Muscicapoidea II, 2.59]

Roraiman Warbler, Basileuterus roraimae, is split from Two-banded Warbler, Basileuterus bivittatus. Hilty (2003) had recommended this split, and Lovette et al. (2010) show that there is substantial genetic distance between the two taxa. Both of these are then moved to Myiothlypis (see below).

The Parulinae are reorganized based on Lovette et al. (2010). This involves several generic changes, merging the two orphaned Wilsonia and Ergaticus into Cardellina, combining Phaeothlypis and part of Basileuterus as Myiothlypis, and moving several Dendroica into Parula. It shifts Parkesia into Vermivorini and Leucopeza into Geothlypini, and rearranges the species in Basileuterus. I've also Lovette et al.'s relationships of the various tribes, but support for this is fairly, as was support for the previous arrangement. I also restored Fan-tailed Warbler to Euthlypis.
[Parulidae, Core Passeroidea III, 2.58]

August 10

I notice that a backlog of papers has built up while I was off birding in Brazil for 3 1/2 weeks. I have some catching up to do!

I've made some name changes based on the 51st AOU Supplement. Whip-poor-will, Antrostomus vociferus, becomes Eastern Whip-poor-will; Greater Shearwater / Great Shearwater (Ardenna gravis) becomes Great Shearwater; Greater Antillean Oriole / Hispaniolan Oriole, Icterus dominicensis, becomes Hispaniolan Oriole; and the scientific name of the Blue-winged Warbler changes from Vermivora pinus to Vermivora cyanoptera.
[Caprimulgidae, Cypselomorphae, 2.55]
[Procellariidae, Pelecanae II, 2.54]
[Icteridae, Core Passeroidea III, 2.57]
[Parulidae, Core Passeroidea III, 2.57]

White-bellied Warbler, Basileuterus hypoleucus, has been merged into Golden-crowned Warbler, Basileuterus culicivorus. It had previously been suspected that they were conspecific, and Vilaça and dos Santos (2010) have found substantial genetic evidence of it.
[Parulidae, Core Passeroidea III, 2.57]

After further consideration of Dávalos and Porzecanski (2009) and other sources, I've restored Yellow-billed Cardinal, Paroaria capitata. Note however, that I'm considering cervicalis a subspecies of Yellow-billed Cardinal.
[Thraupidae, Core Passeroidea V, 2.56]

July 2010

July 11

The csv files have been updated.

July 10

As Chrysophlegma seems to be neuter, I've updated the scientific names of Banded Woodpecker, Chrysophlegma miniaceum, and Checker-throated Woodpecker, Chrysophlegma mentale.
[Picidae, Piciformes, 2.54a]

The gender of Banded Pitta, Hydrornis guajanus, has also been corrected.
[Pittidae, Passeriformes I, 2.51b]

The Pteruthius have had a makeover based on Rheindt and Eaton (2009), As a result, Chestnut-fronted Shrike-babbler, Pteruthius aenobarbus, is split into 2 species: Clicking Shrike-babbler, Pteruthius intermedius, and Trilling Shrike-babbler, Pteruthius aenobarbus. Also, White-browed Shrike-babbler, Pteruthius flaviscapis, is split into 4 species: Dalat Shrike-babbler, Pteruthius annamensis, Blyth's Shrike-babbler, Pteruthius aeralatus, Himalayan Shrike-babbler, Pteruthius ripleyi, and Pied Shrike-babbler, Pteruthius flaviscapis.
[Vireonidae, Corvida I, 2.59]

After consideration of Alström and Mild (2003) and Ödeen and Bjöklund (2003) (which use both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA), I have merged Green-headed Yellow Wagtail, Motacilla taivana into Eastern Yellow Wagtail, Motacilla tschutschensis, and also merged the Eastern Citrine Wagtail, Motacilla citreola, and Western Citrine Wagtail, Motacilla werae, to make Citrine Wagtail, Motacilla citreola.
[Motacillidae, Core Passeroidea II, 2.53]

July 7

Various minor spelling errors have been corrected, as has the gender of Giant Pitta, Hydrornis caeruleus, and Blue Pitta, Hydrornis cyaneus.
[Pittidae, Passeriformes I, 2.51a]

July 6

Nyári et al.'s (2009) paper on flowerpeckers has finally been incorporated into the list. Needless to say, this necessitated some rearrangement of the flowerpeckers. As a result, some of the Diaceum flowerpeckers have been moved to Pachyglossa.
[Dicaeidae, Basal Passeroidea, 2.53]

July 5

The csv files have been updated.

Following IOC, the English name of Nahan's Francolin, Ptilopachus nahani, becomes Nahan's Partridge. This recognizes the fact that it is not actually a francolin.
[Odontophoridae, Galliformes, 2.54]

July 3

After considering Ödeen et al. (2010), I've merged Rynchopidae and Sternidae into Laridae. This does not affect the linear order.
[Laridae, Charadriiformes, 2.55]

The Solitary Black Cacique has been placed in genus Procacicus (Fraga, 2005) rather than Psarocolius so that Psarocolius can be reserved for oropendolas.
[Icteridae, Core Passeroidea III, 2.56]

July 2

Following Penhallurick and Robson (2009), the parrotbill genus Paradoxornis is split into seven genera: Cholornis, Psittiparus, Paradoxornis, Neosuthora, Suthora, Chleuasicus, and Sinosuthora.
[Sylviidae, Sylvioidea III, 2.55]

I found a name that applies to the African “Muscicapa”. It is Alseonax (Cabanis 1850, type A. adusta).
[Muscicapidae, Muscicapoidea II, 2.58]

July 1

Based on Toon et al. (2010), Melithreptus has been rearranged and Swan River Honeyeater / Western White-naped Honeyeater, Melithreptus chloropsis, has been split from White-naped Honeyeater, Melithreptus lunatus.

Also, the Graceless Honeyeater, Meliarchus sclateri, is renamed Makira Honeyeater as in IOC 2.5.
[Meliphagidae, Paracorvids, 2.55]

June 2010

June 30

The positions of some of the ducks have been adjusted based on Bulgarella et al. (2010) and a fuller consideration of Gonzalez et al. (2009b). In particular, Bulgarella et al. sampled Merganetta (now placed in Tadornini instead of Anatini) and Hymenolaimus (moved to Aythyini from Anatini), neither of which had previously been included in a genetic analysis.
[Anatidae, Paleognaths and Anseriformes, 2.54]

A number of English Names have been updated to match posted IOC changes:

There are also 2 corrections to scientific names:

Finally, Eastern Barn-Owl becomes Tyto delicatula instead of javanica. The race javanica seems to be a subspecies of the Common Barn-Owl, Tyto alba.
[Tytonidae, Anomalogonates I, 2.58].

June 24

The csv files have been updated.

June 23

Oriental Dwarf-Kingfisher, Ceyx erithaca is split into Black-backed Kingfisher, Ceyx erithaca and Rufous-backed Kingfisher, Ceyx rufidorsa based on Lim et al. (2010a).
[Alcedinidae, Anomalogonates I, 2.57]

The genus Oriolus has been rearranged based on the analysis by Jønsson et al. (2010d).
[Oriolidae, Corvida I, 2.57]

I've reordered the shamas and magpie-robins (Copsychus) based on Lim et al. (2010b).
[Muscicapidae, Muscicapoidea II, 2.57]

June 21

I've reordered the Campephagidae based on the analysis by Jønsson et al. (2010c). This involved moved several Coracina cuckooshrikes to Lalage (trillers) and resurrecting several genera to better reflect the phylogeny of Jønsson et al. (2010c).
[Campephagidae, Corvida I, 2.56]

I also noticed that some advertised updates to the woodswallow family had not actually been made. This has been corrected. Moreover, I adjusted the position of Peltops based on Jønsson et al. (2010c).
[Artamidae, Corvida I, 2.56]

June 6

The Scolopacidae have been rearranged based on Gibson (2010), which used more genetic data and more taxon sampling than previous investigations of Scolopacidae.
[Scolopacidae, Charadriiformes, 2.54]

May 2010

May 24

Following SACC, Gray-breasted Parakeet, Pyrrhura griseipectus, is split from Maroon-faced Parakeet, Pyrrhura leucotis.
[Psittacidae, Falconiformes and Psittaciformes, 2.54]

There are two recent SACC changes to the Tyrant-Flycatchers. The Monte Tyrannulet, Serpophaga griseicapilla, is renamed Straneck's Tyrannulet and now follows the White-bellied Tyrannulet. Also, the Ticking Doradito, Pseudocolopteryx citreola, is split from Warbling Doradito, Pseudocolopteryx flaviventris.
[Tyrannidae, Tyrannida II, 2.53]

May 8

The csv files have been updated.

May 7

The scientific name of Emerald-bellied Puffleg has been corrected to Eriocnemis aline (not alinae).
[Trochilidae, Apodiformes, 2.54b]

There are two gender corrections in Urubitinga, solitaria and coronata.
[Accipitridae, Accipitrimorphae, 2.52a]

Based on Voelker (2010) and Pan et al. (2006), Chaimarrornis and Rhyacornis have often been merged into Phoenicurus.
[Muscicapidae, Muscicapoidea II, 2.56]

May 6

The order of the Phasianidae has been changed to conform to the recent study of Shen et al. (2010) that used complete mitochondrial genomes to analyze the galliformes. There have been some slight adjustments in the tree, but only two of those impact the linear order, changing the position of the Polyplectroninae and Pavonini.
[Phasianidae, Galliformes, 2.53]

April 2010

April 29

The genus Lichenostomus was shown to be polyphyletic by Gardner et al. (2010). As a result, it has been divided into three parts: a smaller Lichenostomus, Ptilotula, and Nesoptilotis, with Nesoptilotis ending up in a different subfamily.
[Meliphagidae, Paracorvids, 2.54]

April 27

The genera Alectroenas and Drepanoptila have been merged into the fruit-dove genus Ptilinopus based on Gibb and Penny (2010).
[Columbidae, Metaves I, 2.54]

The position of Nesospingus has been adjusted slightly based on Weir et al. (2009).
[Parulidae, Core Passeroidea III, 2.55]

Based on García-Moreno et al. (2004), Sánchez-González et al. (2007), Bonaccorso et al. (2008), and Weir et al. (2008), the Common Bush-Tanager, Chlorospingus ophthalmicus, has been broken into 9 species.

[Passerellidae, Core Passeroidea IV, 2.53]

Instead of treating Parkerthraustes and Chlorochrysa as a separate tribe, I've moved Parkerthraustes to the saltators (Weir et al., 2009), and put Chlorochrysa in Cissopini (Sedano and Burns, 2010; Weir et al, 2009).
[Thraupidae, Core Passeroidea V, 2.56]

April 23

Lafresnaye's Woodcreeper, Xiphorhynchus guttatoides is split from the Buff-throated Woodcreeper, Xiphorhynchus guttatus, based on Aleixo (2002). There may be other species included within this group.
[Furnariidae, Furnariida II, 2.60]

April 19

I've added a species level tree of Emberiza based on Alström et al. (2008). This led to a slight adjustment of the position of the Socotra Bunting, Emberiza socotrana.
[Emberizidae, Core Passeroidea IV, 2.52]

April 18

The gray shrikes have been reorganized using the results of Olsson et al. (2010). A number of subspecies have been moved about. This is detailed by a table in the Shrike family section. In terms of species, there are 4 splits and 1 lump.

[Laniidae, Corvida II, 2.59]

I've made one more change to the Muscicapidae based on Zuccon and Ericson (2010c). The monotypic genera Saxicoloides and Trichixos have been merged into Copsychus. This also entailed some minor rearrangement of these taxa.
[Muscicapidae, Muscicapoidea II, 2.55]

April 16

Asthenes has been reorganized following Derryberry et al. (2010b). The genera Oreophylax, Schizoeaca, and Siptornoides are are now all included in Asthenes.
[Furnariidae, Furnariida II, 2.59]

April 5

There are two corrections to the scientific names: Cossypha albicapillus and Monticola semirufus.
[Muscicapidae, Muscicapoidea II, 2.54a]

April 3

The csv files have been updated.

I've updated the Muscicapidae based on Zuccon and Ericson (2010c). It took a while as there was a lot to sort through.
[Muscicapidae, Muscicapoidea II, 2.54]

April 2

The order of the three Perdix partridges has been adjusted based on Bao et al. (2010).
[Phasianidae, Galliformes, 2.52]

There are two generic changes in the ovenbirds. The first is a new genus for the Spot-throated Woodcreeper, which moves from Deconychura to Certhiasomus (Derryberry et al., 2010a).

The second change is that “Asthenes” now has a name, Pseudasthenes (Derryberry et al., 2010b). They also found that the Patagonian Canastero, Pseudasthenes patagonica, and Steinbach's Canastero, Pseudasthenes steinbachi, belong to this group.
[Furnariidae, Furnariida II, 2.58]

I'm made some adjustments to the order of the Lagonosticta firetails to better conform with Sorensen et al. (2004). I've also taken Arnaiz-Villena et al. (2009) into account.
[Estrildidae, Core Passeroidea I, 2.52]

March 2010

March 22

Six species of sea- and fish-eagles are transferred from Haliaeetus to Icthyophaga (two of the six are generally considered to be in Icthyophaga). I've also slightly adjusted the tree, but without affecting the linear order.
[Accipitridae, Accipitrimorphae, 2.52]

The genus name Pyrgisoma has been corrected to Kieneria.
[Passerellidae, Core Passeroidea IV, 2.51]

March 18

The SACC name of Anthus chacoensis has been changed from Chaco Pipit to Pampas Pipit. The IOC name remains Campo Pipit.
[Motacillidae, Core Passeroidea II, 2.52]

Following the recent SACC decision, Diglossopis has been merged into Diglossa.
[Thraupidae, Core Passeroidea V, 2.55]

March 17

The SACC name of Scytalopus griseicollis has been changed to Pale-bellied Tapaculo, so it is listed as Pale-bellied Tapaculo / Matorral Tapaculo for now.
The SACC has endorsed the three-way split of Bar-winged Cinclodes, which was adopted here on July 7, 2009. However, they introduced the new name Chestnut-winged Cinclodes for Cinclodes albidiventris, which is now followed here.
[Furnariidae, Furnariida II, 2.57]

Following the recent SACC decision, Andean Motmot becomes the primary name of Highland Motmot, Momotus aequatorialis.
[Momotidae, Anomalogonates I, 2.56]

March 11

I recognize two more splits from IOC version 2.4. Melancholy Woodpecker, Dendropicos lugubris, is split from Gabon Woodpecker, Dendropicos gabonensis; Eastern Gray-Woodpecker, Dendropicos spodocephalus, is split from African Gray-Woodpecker, Dendropicos goertae. These are fairly widely recognized (HBW-7; Winkler et al., 1995; Sinclair and Ryan, 2003; African Bird Club Checklist).
[Picidae, Piciformes, 2.54]

Based on McKay et al. (2010), I've split the Bahama Warbler, Dendroica flavescens, from the Yellow-throated Warbler, Dendroica dominica.
[Parulidae, Core Passeroidea III, 2.54]

March 5

I've added Monte Tyrannulet / Gray-crowned Tyrannulet, Serpophaga griseicapilla, to the list. It was previously referred to as Serpophaga griseiceps, but the type of griseiceps was actually a juvenile of S. munda (Herzog and Mazur Barnett, 2004). Straneck (2007) gave it the name S. griseiceps. It has been referred to as Gray-crowned Tyrannulet, but SACC proposal #419 prefers Monte Tyrannulet, which is also in use.

The Yellow-rumped Warbler, Dendroica coronata, is split into Myrtle Warbler, Dendroica coronata, Audubon's Warbler, Dendroica auduboni, Black-fronted Warbler, Dendroica nigrifrons, and Goldman's Warbler, Dendroica goldmani. See Milá et al. (2007) and Brelsford and Irwin (2009). This also causes a slight change in the ordering of the Dendroica as bigger clades are listed last. The Yellow-rumped clade just got bigger.
[Parulidae, Core Passeroidea III, 2.53]

March 2

There are several IOC splits in the pipeline (for version 2.4) based on the forthcoming 4th edition of the Ornithological Society of New Zealand's checklist.

New Zealand Snipe, Coenocorypha aucklandica has been split into Subantarctic Snipe, Coenocorypha aucklandica, South Island Snipe, Coenocorypha iredalei, and Snares Snipe, Coenocorypha huegeli. They have also been rearranged slightly. See Baker et al. (2010) and Worthy et al. (2002).
[Scolopacidae, Charadriiformes, 2.53]

The two splits in the New Zealand Wattlebirds have also been recognized in HBW-14. The Kokako, Callaeas cinereus, is split into North Island Kokako, Callaeas wilsoni, and the recently extinct South Island Kokako, Callaeas cinereus. See also Double and Murphy (2002). The Saddleback, Philesturnus carunculatus is split into North Island Saddleback, Philesturnus rufusater, and South Island Saddleback, Philesturnus carunculatus.
[Callaeidae, Basal Passerida, 2.53]

There are two other IOC changes for version 2.4 that I'm adopting. One is to split Brown Cuckoo-Dove, Macropygia amboinensis, into Slender-billed Cuckoo-Dove, Macropygia amboinensis, and Brown Cuckoo-Dove, Macropygia phasianella. This matches the treatment in HBW-4, with symmetric treatment of the allospecies.
[Columbidae, Metaves I, 2.53]

The other change is based on Nguembock et al. (2008c). Tropical Boubou, Laniarius aethiopicus, is split into Tropical Boubou, Laniarius major, and Ethiopian Boubou, Laniarius aethiopicus. Based on Nguembock et al.'s results, I would expect more changes for this genus in the future.
[Malaconotidae, Corvida I, 2.55]

Based on VanderWerf (2007) and VanderWerf et al. (2010), the Elepaio, Chasiempis sandwichensis, is split into Kauai Elepaio, Chasiempis sclateri, Oahu Elepaio, Chasiempis ibidis, and Hawaii Elepaio, Chasiempis sandwichensis. AOU is currently considering this split.
[Monarchidae, Corvida II, 2.58]

March 1

Black Scoter, Melanitta nigra is split into Common Scoter, Melanitta nigra, and Black Scoter, Melanitta americana. See Sangster (2009), who shows that the breeding vocalizations are different. This change is under consideration by AOU, and has been accepted by BOU and IOC.
[Anatidae, Paleognaths and Anseriformes, 2.53]

The Blue-crowned Motmot, Momotus momota, is split into 6 species based on a combination of Witt (2004) and Stiles (2009). The species are Blue-crowned Motmot, Momotus coeruliceps (NE Mexico); Blue-diademed Motmot, Momotus lessonii (Middle America); Amazonian Motmot, Momotus momota (Amazon basin); Silver-banded Motmot, Momotus argenticinctus (W Ecuador and NW Peru); Trinidad Motmot, Momotus bahamensis (Trinidad and Tobago); and Whooping Motmot, Momotus subrufescens (E Panama and NW South America).
[Momotidae, Anomalogonates I, 2.55]

February 2010

February 23

Northern Boobook, Ninox japonica, and Chocolate Boobook, Ninox randi, are split from Brown Hawk-Owl, Ninox scutulata. See King (2002). These are on the IOC's accepted split list for the next edition, version 2.4.
[Strigidae, Anomalogonates I, 2.54]

The Hepatic Tanager, Piranga flava, is split into three species: Lowland Hepatic-Tanager / Red Tanager, Piranga flava, Northern Hepatic-Tanager / Hepatic Tanager, Piranga hepatica, and Highland Hepatic-Tanager / Tooth-billed Tanager, Piranga lutea. These have frequently been considered distinct species and are so treated in many regional guidebooks. Burns (1998) found genetic differences between the three in the range typical of species, not subspecies.

February 21

Although the three groups in the Lampornis castaneoventris complex appear to have only recently separated (see García-Moreno et al., 2006), there seems to be little hybridization (see Stiles and Skutch, 1989; Schuchmann, 1999). This suggests that they are best considered three species. Accordingly, I follow IOC and Stiles and Skutch (1989) rather than AOU, splitting Gray-tailed Mountain-gem, Lampornis cinereicauda from White-throated Mountain-gem, Lampornis castaneoventris.

Doubleday's Hummingbird, Cynanthus doubledayi, is split from Broad-billed Hummingbird, Cynanthus latirostris. These two taxa have easily distinguished plumage, and in spite of the fact that their ranges abut one another, seem to be reciprocally monophyletic (García-Deras et al., 2008). In short, they appear to be distinct species, as treated by IOC, HBW-5 (Schuchmann, 1999), and Howell and Webb (1995), but not AOU.

The Streamertail, Trochilus polytmus, is split into Red-billed Streamertail, Trochilus polytmus, and Black-billed Streamertail, Trochilus scitulus. The AOU maintains these as one species, but Gill et al. (1973) provides evidence of a narrow hybrid zone. Accordingly, I've decided to follow the IOC and HBW-5 (Schuchmann, 1999) on this one.

Finally, I've combined Schuchmann's treatment of the Trochilini with McGuire et al. (2007, 2009) in an attempt to deal with the tangled situation of Amazilia and its allies.
[Trochilidae, Apodiformes, 2.54]

February 19

Coiba Spinetail, Cranioleuca dissita is split from Rusty-backed Spinetail, Cranioleuca vulpina. In this case I'm following IOC rather than AOU. Although the two species look quite similar, there's an obvious difference in the song, which is usually enough to distinguish furnariids. I'm not sure why AOU has these lumped.
[Furnariidae, Furnariida II, 2.56]

February 16

The sequence of hummingbirds did not match the csv files. It has been corrected.
[Trochilidae, Apodiformes, 2.53]

February 11

Following HBW-14, Tablas Drongo, Dicrurus menagei, Sumatran Drongo, Dicrurus sumatranus, and Wallacean Drongo, Dicrurus densus are split from Hair-crested Drongo, Dicrurus hottentottus. The drongos have been reordered using Pasquet et al. (2007).
[Dicruridae, Corvida II, 2.57]

I've made various corrections to the scientific names. Genus spelling: Gliciphila melanops (Meliphagidae) Spelling of specific epithet: Megapodius forsteni (Megapodiidae), Ptilinopus greyi (Columbidae) Chrysococcyx meyerii (Cuculidae), Heterotetrax rueppelii (Otididae), Oriolus brachyrynchus (Oriolidae), Epimachus fastosus (Paradisaeidae), Urocissa erythroryncha (Corvidae), Zosterops leucophaeus (Zosteropidae), Anthreptes aurantius (Nectariniidae), Ploceus dichrocephalus (Ploceidae), Icterus jamacaii (Icteridae). Gender corrections: Ispidina picta, Corythornis cristatus, Ceyx pusillus, Ceyx azureus, Ceyx cyanopectus, and Ceyx argentatus (all Alcedinidae).

February 10

The pairs Royal Penguin, Eudyptes schlegeli/Macaroni Penguin, Eudyptes chrysolophus and Fiordland Penguin, Eudyptes pachyrhynchus/Snares Penguin, Eudyptes robustus are split. Based on Peucker et al. (2009), the Little and White-flippered Penguins are not split. However, I'm going out on a limb and making a different split of Eudyptula minor into Little Penguin, Eudyptula novaehollandiae, and Blue Penguin, Eudyptula minor.
[Spheniscidae, Pelecanae II, 2.53]

There are two splits in the pittas, bringing the list in better agreement with IOC and BLI. Sula Pitta, Erythropitta dohertyi is split from Blue-banded Pitta, Erythropitta arquata, and Black-crowned Pitta, Erythropitta ussheri is treated as separate from both Garnet Pitta, Erythropitta granatina, and Graceful Pitta, Erythropitta venusta.
[Pittidae, Passeriformes I, 2.51]

Krabbe and Cadena (2010) have found that the Paramo Tapaculo consists of two species, Scytalopus canus and S. opacus. The name Paramo Tapaculo is retained by S. opacus, while S. canus becomes Paramillo Tapaculo.
[Rhinocryptidae, Furnariida II, 2.55]

The Acanthizidae have been completely rearranged at the genus level based on Gardner et al. (2010). I've also reposistioned the Pardalotidae as sister to Acanthizidae.
[Acanthizidae, Paracorvids, 2.53]

Violet Crow, Corvus violaceus is split from Slender-billed Crow, Corvus enca. See Rheindt and Hutchinson (2007).
[Corvidae, Corvida II, 2.56]

I've made some changes to the order in the swallows.
[Hirundinidae, Sylvioidea I, 2.52]

Buru Golden Bulbul, Thapsinillas mysticalis is split from Seram Golden-Bulbul, Thapsinillas affinis. See Rheindt and Hutchinson (2007).
[Pycnonotidae, Sylvioidea II, 2.58]

February 6

Han et al. (2010) established the genus name Gactornis for the Collared Nightjar (formerly Caprimulgus enarratus). Based on their results and vocal differences, Mexican Whip-poor-will, Antrostomus arizonae, is split from Whip-poor-will, Antrostomus vociferus.
[Caprimulgidae, Metaves II, 2.53]

January 2010

January 31

I've put the sandgrouse and mesites in their own orders (Pterocliformes and Mesitornithiformes) rather than keep them hidden with the pigeons and doves. The idea is that these are deep divisions in the avian tree, and that there is too much uncertainty about whether they actually form a clade to keep them in a single order. Right now, I have a few more orders than I would prefer, but the cases I'd like to lump together all have some uncertainty hanging over them. With the new arrangement, I have reasonable confidence that the orders are all monophyletic. This change does not affect the linear species order at all.
[Metaves I, 2.52]

I made some minor rearrangements of the long-tailed tits based on Päckert et al. (2010). Their results also suggest Aegithalos concinnus should be split, but due to limited taxon sampling, they stop short of recommending this.
[Aegithalidae, Sylvioidea II, 2.57]

January 23

Zuccon and Ericson (2010b) have found that Neolestes is a bulbul after all, so it is removed from the Incertae sedis basket and returned to Pycnonotidae. They also present a bulbul phylogeny based on more genes than previous analyses. This led to some adjustments in the ordering of the bulbuls, and the separation of several Pycnonotus species in genus Rubigula.
[Pycnonotidae, Sylvioidea II, 2.56]

Following the recommendations of Zuccon and Ericson (2010a), I've lumped the Amber Mountain Rock-Thrush, Monticola erythronotus, and Benson's Rock-Thrush, Monticola bensoni, into Forest Rock-Thrush, Monticola sharpei; moved White-winged Cliff-Chat from Thamnolaea to Monticola; and split the Red-bellied Rock-Thrush, Monticola philippensis, from the Blue Rock-Thrush, Monticola solitarius.
[Muscicapidae, Muscicapoidea II, 2.53]

Some time ago I had substituted Anthodiaeta in place of Hedydipna, following corrigenda-8 to the Howard and Moore checklist (Dickinson et al., 2003). However, this change seems to be incorrect, See Alan Peterson's analysis at zoonomen.net and the discussion on BirdForum. Accordingly, I've restored Hedydipna.
[Nectariniidae, Basal Passeroidea, 2.51]

January 8

Continuing the minor corrections, Tyranneutes chrysocephalum has been corrected to Tyranneutes chrysocephalus (Tyranneutes is masculine).
[Pipridae, Tyrannida I, 2.51a]
and Greater Amakihi, which was listed variously as being in Hemignathus and Viridonia is now consistently in Viridonia.
Fringillidae, Core Passeroidea II, 2.51a]

January 6

The scientific name of Maghreb Lark has been corrected to Galerida macrorhyncha. See van Steenis (2008). I've also updated the csv file to reflect this.
[Alaudidae, Sylvioidea I, 2.51a]

January 5

Stephen Nawrocki has updated and enhanced his excel spreadsheet of the TIF world list, reflecting all updates to the TIF list through January 4, 2010.